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Permalink Reply by SlumburbiaResident on February 26, 2009 at 10:44pm

Googled: +"pamela butler" +missing

Missing Person: Pamela Butler (MPD)

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Permalink Reply by Yna Moore on February 27, 2009 at 4:27pm

Some foundations have announced that they’re increasing their grantmaking in response to the economic downturn, such as the Gates Foundation. But majority of foundations have decided to scale down, citing the decrease in their assets as a result of the stock market plunge as the reason for doing so.

This is not good news for our area’s nonprofits that rely on funding from foundations to make ends meet when government support or individual/corporate donations aren’t enough. It is important for foundations to step up their giving, especially in providing assistance to those hit hard by the crisis.

Now is the time for foundations to be bold and innovative! The D.C.-based watchdog of foundations NCRP is unveiling on Tuesday a set of new guidelines for foundations that can show them how. The Criteria for Philanthropy at Its Best offers concrete and measurable recommendations to foundations so that they are able to get the maximum impact for their grant dollars.

Many foundations will object to the Criteria; but despite this, more than 120 leaders from nonprofits and foundations have already thrown their support behind it. A number of these endorsers include D.C. area nonprofit leaders.

I hope someone from WAMU can make it to the event (details below) or would be interested in covering the story. Invited speakers include Rep. Xavier Becerra (Calif.), Gara LaMarche and president and CEO of The Atlantic Philanthropies.

The media alert is below.

Thank you!
Yna Moore


MEDIA ADVISORY: UNVEILING THE CRITERIA FOR PHILANTHROPY AT ITS BEST

Be one of the first to learn about a new set of guidelines that challenges current practices of U.S. foundations to maximize their impact



Washington, D.C. (2/23/09) - The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy will host a public event releasing the Criteria for Philanthropy at Its Best: Benchmarks to Assess and Enhance Grantmaker Impact, with:

- The Honorable Xavier Becerra, Congressman (D-Calif.) [invited]
- Mr. Dave Beckwith, Executive Director, Needmor Fund
- Mr. Aaron Dorfman, Executive Director, NCRP
- Ms. Judy Hatcher, Executive Director, Environmental Support Center
- Mr. David R. Jones, President & CEO, Community Service Society of New York
- Mr. Gara LaMarche, President & CEO, The Atlantic Philanthropies

When:
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
10:00 EST (Registration, along with light refreshments, will begin at 9:30 a.m.)

Where:
Holeman Lounge, National Press Club
529 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20045

Map


It's a critical time in American history when tremendous need and opportunity are intersecting like never before. Our philanthropic institutions are in serious need for reform. Poverty is at an all-time high and injustice continues to haunt our society. Many of the nonprofits that are trying to address these issues are facing financial uncertainty. Now is the time for grantmakers to re-evaluate how they do business so they can be part of the solution to the crisis facing our country and restore the public's trust.

During this briefing, participants will explore the Criteria for Philanthropy at Its Best, the first ever set of measurable guidelines foundations and other institutional grantmakers can use to operate ethically and maximize the impact of their dollars.

Media:
Yna C. Moore - ymoore@ncrp.org and (202) 387-9177 ext. 17
Meredith Brodbeck - mbrodbeck@ncrp.org and (202) 387-9177 ext. 20

NCRP is a national watchdog, research and advocacy organization that promotes philanthropy that serves the public good, is responsive to people and communities with the least wealth and opportunity, and is held accountable to the highest standards of integrity and openness.



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Permalink Reply by Jim Breiling on February 27, 2009 at 8:40pm

I assume that WAMU wil follow a range of families (income, location) in the area in which a parent has lost a job for how they cope and function.

My first suggestion is for coverage on the effects of cutbacks in expenses as a result of feared and real loss of income. I;am struck by how much one can cut back on and forego with no meaningful impact on quality of life, and indeed, in some cases with an increase in quality of life.

My second suggestion is to look ahead for the immediate and long-term impacts of the economic situation on retirees. Report on current situations and future prospects for a range of retirees. Virtually all retirees with money in the stock market have lost a lot. Virtually all who own a home have also lost a lot. Continuing to work may not be an option. Returning to work, especially in this economic dive, will not be easy (and age discrimination is alive and well). With dividends and interest rates also diving, most retirees without significant cash will have to sell stocks, and do so at shrunken prices. Looking ahead, there is the real possibility of a surge of substantial inflation sending prices soaring. First a smash down in resources, then another smash down from a jump up in costs of living,. Without a secure Social Security and Medicare, the future prospects for many retirees would be dire rather than difficult/challenging.

Another group to focus on is the disabled. Job prospects, already meager, have tanked. Governments are hard pressed to maintain already meager disability benefits and services. They should not be forgotten.

My third suggestion is to obtain the view of a range of persons with differen beliefs about what if any obligations they feel for those doing less well. Apply a Scrooge scale (Scrooge before the visits of the spirits).

My last suggestion is to pursue with Republications and other conservatives whether they believe in health care for all, and if so, how and under what circumstances they would realize this goal.

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Permalink Reply by John Antonelli on March 3, 2009 at 10:02pm

Meymo, I would really like to know how Marion Barry qualified for a kidney transplant, in D.C. no less right near home. Now I know there is a great demand for kidneys and there are not that many to go around (which is why we should all be organ donors), but someone as old as he is and with his past and long history of drug abuse, just does not seem to be the ideal candidate.

I note that coincidentally, he had his transplant at Howard University, a place that benefited under Mr. Barry's political tenure. This just smells bad, a story on how he rose to the top of the waiting list either in generalities or specifically would be quite interesting methinks.

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Permalink Reply by Lawrence_n_DC on March 4, 2009 at 12:50pm

With the economy the way it is, people have lost their jobs and homes. All this has led to ruined credit. These people now must enter a job market in which a credit check must be passed prior to an offer of employment. If one can get a job, one could have a source of income to correct credit issues. However, with bad credit, how will some people ever get another job?

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Permalink Reply by Lawrence_n_DC on March 4, 2009 at 12:54pm

I'm not sure but I think that the kidney donor in this case was a friend of the Councilman. It's not like the former Mayor had to cue up in the same line as other people waiting for a kidney.

John Antonelli said:

Meymo, I would really like to know how Marion Barry qualified for a kidney transplant, in D.C. no less right near home. Now I know there is a great demand for kidneys and there are not that many to go around (which is why we should all be organ donors), but someone as old as he is and with his past and long history of drug abuse, just does not seem to be the ideal candidate.

I note that coincidentally, he had his transplant at Howard University, a place that benefited under Mr. Barry's political tenure. This just smells bad, a story on how he rose to the top of the waiting list either in generalities or specifically would be quite interesting methinks.

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Permalink Reply by Neha on March 4, 2009 at 1:29pm

Mixed Unity is a group of teens that came together to take positive action following the death of Blair high school student Tai Lam. Thirty young people have formed themselves into action committees and have been meeting weekly at City Place Mall. They are planning a series of actions beginning with a "Stop the Violence" concert early next year. As a larger goal they advocate for authentic youth meeting space in downtown Silver Spring. This is a youth-led initiative supported by a number of local agencies including: Identity, Gap Busters, Blair Sports Academy, Street Outreach Network, Asian American LEAD, Maryland Multicultural Youth Centers, and Gandhi Brigade.

This concert is being held this March 7, 2009.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=131382700245&re...

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Permalink Reply by Meymo Lyons on March 4, 2009 at 1:56pm

Hello John,

Former Washington Mayor Marion Barry has returned to Howard University Hospital after a recent kidney transplant Barry received a kidney from an old friend. He was not on a donor list. I think that does it, John.

Best,

Meymo

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Permalink Reply by Meymo Lyons on March 4, 2009 at 1:59pm

Dear Neha,

Please forward the information to me at meymo@wamu.org. I am very interested in hooking up with these people.
Thanks for letting me know. This could be a very nice piece.

Best,

Meymo

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Permalink Reply by John Antonelli on March 4, 2009 at 2:21pm

It does, THANKS Meymo. Silly question,was that in the news and I missed or do I still have my mind?

Meymo Lyons said:

Hello John,

Former Washington Mayor Marion Barry has returned to Howard University Hospital after a recent kidney transplant Barry received a kidney from an old friend. He was not on a donor list. I think that does it, John.

Best,

Meymo

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Permalink Reply by Meymo Lyons on March 4, 2009 at 2:44pm

Dear John,

It has been widely reported but I don't think you have lost your mind ! By the way we are going to a presser at the Wilson building at 3pm. Update on Barry's condition.

Best,

Mem

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Permalink Reply by Meymo Lyons on March 4, 2009 at 3:45pm

Dear Lawrence,

Really interesting issue. I should think that any potential employer would be pretty forgiving at this point in time. I would love to do this story with a job seeker. Do you know anyone ?

Best,

Meymo

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