Donors cannot claim deductions for contributions of $250 or more without a receipt from the charity. Canceled checks no longer suffice. How will you help your donors?

Charities must give donors a breakdown of what deductions can be claimed when a contribution of more than $75 is made in exchange for a book, meal, or other item of value. Will you be fined?

For your free copy of Charitable Contributions: Substantiation and Disclosure Requirements (IRS Publication #1771) call 1-800-829-3676.

For further details about how to handle the new requirements, send your request and $5 to Monti, CPA, 387 Charles Street, Providence, RI 02904, 401-521-1080.

Want to keep up with regulatory and accounting changes which affect your agency? Subscribe toPerspectives on Not-for-Profit Organizations, published by Monti, CPA. Send $10 for quarterly newsletter devoted to issues and solutions. Monti, CPA, 387 Charles Street, Providence, RI 02904, 401-521-1080.

Hot tips on fund-raising. Specific ideas to improve how you do everything! More than 50 different workshops with experts from around the world. March 1994 in Boston. How to write a better proposal. When to use direct mail and how to write it. Advice from Major corporations and foundations. Insights about how to start your own consulting business, promote your not-for-profit, find new donors. Keynote speakers. Vendors displaying products you may need. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced executive, you will find useful information at the largest international fund-raising conference.

Register fast. There are more than 1,500 people already attending! Call the National Society of Fund Raising Executives, Alexandria, VA, 1-800-666-FUND.

Just FYI. It might not bother you one way or another that Americans spend over $44 billion each year on soft drinks. But one new book puts it in perspective. Two researchers calculated that it would take $30 to $50 billion annually to meet basic needs around the world, including infant and maternal car, clean water and sanitation, basic education, immunizations, and economic development. (The Poor Have Faces, John and Sylvia Ronsvalle, Baker Book House. 616-676-9185. Reported in Trends that Count Newsletter, Issue 2, 1-800-225-3775.)

Have you started your own planned giving program yet? Remember, one in four Americans is over 50 years old. These individuals are good prospects for planned gifts. Why? Because they control one-half of the nation's discretionary income and over three-quarters of the total financial assets. Don't assume, however, that all older Americans are alike. In addition to the obvious differences in health and living conditions, seniors demonstrate very different spending habits and attitudes towards giving. (See American Demographics, August 1992, 1-800-828-1133.)

Need fast information about issues in philanthropy? How to conduct a capital campaign. Federal regulations about your lobbying activities. Best fund-raising books. Books and articles on a wide range of topics in philanthropy. Computer searches. Quick answers to questions. Copies of articles. Contact the National Fund Raising Library at the National Society of Fund Raising Executives, 1101 King Street, Suite 700, Alexandria, VA 22314, 1-800-666-FUND. Free for NSFRE members. Small charge for non-members.

Do you hear complaints about the effectiveness of telemarketing? Consider this from Ken Burnett: "Would you get out of the bathtub to answer a letter?" Think about that the next time you wonder how effective telephone solicitations can be. Yes, conduct phonathons to solicit contributions or sell your services. Just do them well. Avoid the things you hear people say they hate. Relationship Fundraising, Ken Burnett, White Lion Press Ltd., White Lion Court, 7 Garrett Street, London EC1Y OTY. UK 44-71-490-4939.)

People are changing. This will affect your organization. Who are your future clients? Who are your future donors and volunteers? What do they want from you?

Do you know how to communicate with baby boomers or women, elders or Latinos? It is critical that your organization understand changing demographics and lifestyles or you will not be able to engage future Americans.

And by the way, the future is here now. Retirees do not necessarily have more time nor do women necessarily volunteer more than men. Baby booms want more information and real specifics about how their money will be used. And the language mavens better get on the ball. Soon, non-WASP Americans wonşt be minorities. By the year 2050, there will be 383 million Americans. 21% will be Hispanic; 16% will be Black; and, 11% will be Asian. That's almost half the total American population!

For help, see these publications: Changing Demographics: Fund Raising in the 1990s, by Judith E. Nichols, PhD, CFRE, Bonus Books/Pluribus Press. Pinpointing Affluence: Increasing Your Share of Major Donor Dollars, Nichols, 1-800-225-3775. Trends That Count, quarterly newsletter on demographic and lifestyle trends, Nichols, Precept Press, 312-467-0424.

Resources available for grassroots environmental groups. Free software. Handy tips. Contact Environmental Support Center, 1875 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 340, Washington, D.C. 20009, 202-328-7813.

Get rid of the forbidden phrase! Whether you are serving clients, donors, or volunteers, service experts urge us to eliminate "don't know" from our vocabulary. According to one expert, "There is no need to ever utter these words. If you don't know, find out. Usually, there isn't a thing you can't find out, outside of sensitive information". Instead say: "Gee, that's a good question. Let me check and find out." ("The Telephone Doctor," The Working Communicator, Ragan Communications, 1-800-878-5331.)

Boost response to your direct mail. Switch the colors you use. If you typically mail similar-looking packages, switch the color for your next mailing. Consider the same strategy when you mail multiple announcements and invitations to board members and volunteers. ("63 Very Profitable Ways to Boost Your Direct Marketing Response," The Working Communicator, Ragan Communications, 1-800-878-5331.)

Free children's books, toys, and other products may be available if you serve disadvantaged women and children. "Healthy From the Start" is a new program by Gifts in Kind America. Contact Sue Bell, Gifts in Kind America, 703-836-2121.

Are you a practitioner with an academic bent? Do you have nose for research? Jion the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action. ARNOVA, a professional association with members throughout North America and Europe, provides a forum to exchange ideas, encourages cutting edge research, and publishes the Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly. Contact Barbara Long, 509-332-3417.

Three factors strongly influence peopleşs giving. One, the person must believe that s/he can afford to give. Two, the person has a relationship with the organization or its cause. Three, the person is asked. Obvious perhaps. But examine your organization. Are you behaving in this manner? Understanding the interest and capacity of individuals. Building Relationships, Asking. And asking again. (Giving USA 1993, AAFRC Trust for Philanthropy, 212-354-5799).

Free publications provide advice on assisted living. Two new brochures by the American Association of Retired Persons could help you make decisions about assisted living and long term care. Staying At Home (stock number D14986) is a workbook for people considering various living arrangements from nursing home care to in home services. Making Wise Decisions for Long Term Care (stock number D12435) describes various service and financing options. Contact AARP Fulfillment, P.O. Box 22796, Long Beach, CA 90801-5796.

On-line computer systems helpful for some organizations. You can subscribe to a computer service which provides updated information, articles, publications on various topics. Visit your local library or another organization to see how an online system works. Then investigate different services. Would this be useful to you? For example: HandsNet, primarily for social service organizations, features topical articles, news and legislative briefs, funding updates, and more. The Institute for Global Communications operates several specialized networks like ConflictNet, EcoNet, LaborNet, and PeaceNet. Contact HandsNet, 408-257-4500. Institute for Global Communications, 415-442-0220. See also On-line Systems for Nonprofits, published by CompuMentor, developed by Apple Computer and Benton Foundation, 415-512-7784, $12.50 plus shipping.

We can help our children in poverty. Children of Urban Poverty: Approaches to a Critical American Problem, an essay by the president of Carnegie Foundation, details "the sequence of experiences, opportunities, and interventions that research shows can make a crucial difference." Contact Ms. Avery Russell, Carnegie Corporation of New York, 212-371-3200, for your free copy. [Source: ERC Newsbriefs, November 1993].

Fund-raisers, are you involving faith groups in your activities? America's religious congregations contribute almost as much as foundations and more than corporations, according to a 1992 survey by Independent Sector. The 258,000 congregations surveyed gave $6.6 billion to organizations and individuals. Areas of interest included: human service, health care, international relief, literacy programs, and arts and cultural activities. Many congregations were also active in civil rights and social justice advocacy and programs. In addition, 60% of the congregations surveyed also helped their communities by making their facilities available for use by other groups. See From Belief to Commitment, Independent Sector, 202-223- 8100. [Source: Responsive Philanthropy, September 1993, 202-387-9177.]

Watch your donor relations! Are you behaving appropriately? Recent studies indicate that the public is becoming increasingly irritated by the manner in which not-for-profits raise and use money. While general support for not-for-profits remains high, the public is expressing some distrust due to scandals like the United Way. A Gallup Poll reveals that the majority of Americans believe that charities need greater regulation. An Independent Sector study indicates that citizens are annoyed by the hard sell of some fund-raisers and the proliferation of not-for-profits raising money. Further, the public is concerned about the extent to which their contributions are actually funding services. The public questions some tax advantages to not-for-profit, for example, property tax exemptions to major institutions. Finally, studies indicate that donors prefer to give at the local level and are limiting the number of groups they support. (Nonprofit Times, November 1993, 516-781-7032.)

Are you an ethical fundraising organization? Do you adhere to the essential principles and standards? Get your copy of the Donor Bill of Rights and the National Society of Fund Raising Executives of Code of Ethical Principles/Standards of Professional Practice. Contact Joyaux Associates, 10 Johnson Road, Foster RI 02825, 401-397-2534.

Simone P. Joyaux has just achieved the credential of Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive (ACFRE). Joyaux is one of twenty individuals nationwide who have completed a rigorous peer review process, demonstrating an advanced level of fund-raisingknowledge, and professional competency. The Advanced Certification Program was developed by the National Society of Fund Raising Executives as a means of credentialing professionals and recognizing fund-raisers who have not only achieved distinguished success in their work but have contributed significantly to the profession.

What is Fund Development? Specific activities required ... skills and knowledge needed ... salaries ... failures ... and hints for success. Simone P. Joyaux, ACFRE. Excerpted from Giving RI 1992: 1992 Charitable Giving in Rhode Island. Contact: Joyaux Associates, 10 Johnson Road, Foster, RI 02825, 401-397-2534. $10 prepaid.

Charitable Giving Planning News ($132) and The Practical Gift Planner ($72). Monthly technical information about planned giving and related tax laws. For more information, contact Moerschebaecher, McCoy and Simmons, 415-788-1414.

ERC Newsbriefs. Monthly grant listing and description of not-for-profit resources. Contact Ecumenical Resource Consultants, Inc., 1843 Kalorama Road, NW, PO Box 21385, Washington, D.C., 202-328-9517. $75.

Capitol Publications publishes 35 newsletters including Corporate Philanthropy Report, Foundation and Corporate Grants Alert, Federal Grants and Contract Weekly, Education Grants Alert. Contact 1101 King Street, Suite 444, Alexandria, VA 22314, 1-80-327-7203.

Hiring the Chief Executive: A Practical Guide to the Search and Selection Process. Includes sample interview questions and rating sheets. $16 plus shipping and handling. How to Help Your Board Govern More and Manage Less. Suggests policies and procedures that help board distinguish between policy and hands-on-management. $12 plus shipping and handling. Contact National Center for NonProfit Boards, 2000 L Street, NW, Suite 411, Washington, D.C., 202-452-6262.

Health Funds Grants Resources Yearbook. Detailed information about grants for health care organizations. Contact Health Resources publishing, Brinley Professional Plaza, 3100 Highway 138, PO Box 1442, Wall township, NJ 07719, 908-681-1133. $141 prepaid.

The National Guide to Funding for the Economically Disadvantaged. Subject guide which features foundation and corporate grants makers. Contact the Foundation Center, 212-620- 4230. $85 plus shipping. And request a copy of their publications list!

Collaboration: What Makes It work. Paul Mattassich and Barbara Monsly. Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, St. Paul, MN, 612- 642-4025. $14.

Joyaux Associates provides comprehensive services to the philanthropic sector, including... Board and organization development. Fundraising. Strategic planning. Marketing. Personnel systems and searches. Our clients include grassroots organizations as well as major institutions and national associations. We work for not-for-profits, government agencies, foundations and for-profit corporations.

For further information, please call Simone P. Joyaux, ACFRE, at (401) 397-2534.

Assistance Requested Thanks for visiting The Grants and Related Resources Home Page. This site is continuously updated and expanded, so check back soon for the latest changes. If you have any comments, notice any glaring inaccuracies, or would like to forward any relevant information concerning this Home Page, please send e-mail to: Jon Harrison

This page has been visited times since June 1, 1996.