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Gw/oB news updates and highlights

February 21, 2005

Foundations on the Hill will be held March 8th Grantmakers from across the country will converge on Washington, DC for Foundations on the Hill 2005, an annual event designed to inform members of Congress about the important role foundations play in their communities, districts and states. On Tuesday, March 8, the Council and the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers will conduct two afternoon training sessions to discuss key issues and prepare participants for their meetings. To register online, visit www.foundationsonthehill.org, or contact Brian Flahaven flahb@cof.org or 202/467-0424).

Human rights after the tsunami Nearly two months after the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami killed hundreds of thousands of people from Indonesia to Somalia, concerns about the human rights of survivors have started to take root. Since the disaster struck, news reports have indicated that aid has been denied to members of certain castes in India. Concerns about possible trafficking in children have become widespread in parts of Indonesia. Women in displaced persons camps have become increasingly vulnerable to abuse. And there have been indications that people have been forcibly relocated in resettlement camps, undermining their right to return home. See: www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=64243

Hundreds of thousands killed in the Darfur region of Sudan Unrest continued this month in the Darfur region of Sudan, where at least tens of thousands of people have been killed, approximately two million have been displaced from their homes, and rapes continue unabated. To read more about the crisis, see sudantribune.com/article.php3?id_article=7877&autologin=true

Measures to protect women in Iraq needed Amnesty International says in a new report that Iraqi women must have an active role in shaping the future of their country, and that Iraqi authorities must take effective measures to protect women and to change discriminatory legislation that encourages violence against them. Women and girls in Iraq live in fear of violence. The current lack of security has forced many women out of public life and constitutes a major obstacle to the advancement of their rights. Since the 2003 war, armed groups have targeted and killed several female political leaders and women's rights activists. The report documents how women and girls in Iraq have been targeted directly, because they were women, and how they suffered disproportionately through decades of government repression and armed conflict. See: /news.amnesty.org/pages/svaw_militarisation

February 14, 2005

Awards, Grants and Nominations

Mary Fran Myer Nominations for Women in Emergency Management
Deadline June 1, 2005
The Gender and Disaster Network (GDIN) and the Natural Hazards Center invite nominations of individuals working in the hazards field who should be recognized for "efforts to advance women's careers in emergency management and the academy and for promoting gendered disaster research."
For more information, please contact: Betty Hearn Morrow, 8215 SW 140 Avenue, Miami, FL 33183 USA; email: morrowb@fiu.edu.

H. J. Heinz Company Foundation Fellowship Program
The University Center for International Studies, University of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania, USA)
Deadline: March 15, 2005
This fellowship for emerging leaders from developing countries gives one year of practical, professional, and non-degree educational experience through the University of Pittsburgh. It is open to those whose record of accomplishment early in their career indicates strong potential for leadership and achievement in the non-profit, government or private sector.
More information and application forms are available at: www.ucis.pitt.edu/heinzfellowship

News, Updates and Highlights

Gw/oB next annual conference scheduled for 2006
Gw/oB's next annual conference will be held in May/June of 2006. After careful consideration, Gw/oB will convene its conference in 2006 independently of the National Network of Grantmakers. Therefore, Gw/oB's steering committee decided not to convene an annual conference in 2005, but instead hold various regional events. If you have any questions regarding the 2006 conference, or have comments on the dates and scheduling, please contact Katie at Katie@gwob.net

Valentine's Day Sweatshops
Think for a moment about those Valentine's Day flowers you bought for your sweetie. Cut flowers are a highly globalized industry. The majority of cut flowers sold in the United States are imported, especially from Colombia and Ecuador. Kenya and Tanzania are the key overseas supplier for Europe. About 70 percent of Ecuador's roughly 100,000 flower workers are women. The workers generally earn the national minimum wage, $145 per month. They work especially long hours in advance of Valentine's Day and other flower-giving holidays in the United States. There are also problems caused by pesticide fumigation," explains Olga Tutillo, secretary general of Rosas del Ecuador, a flower workers union in Ecuador. "Fumigation happens every day, either to prevent the plants from getting different diseases or to deal with it when they do get those diseases. Some of these chemicals are highly toxic." Flower workers who try to organize to improve their working conditions face severe repression. Just like with sweatshops, consumer pressure can make a significant difference in the lives of the flower workers. But the opportunity is in some ways greater, because of the concentration among both flower producers and sellers. ILRF is leading the way, trying to galvanize consumer pressure to force Dole and large cut flower sellers -- Albertson's, Safeway, Costco and Wal-Mart, among others -- to pressure flower suppliers to respect workers' rights to organize, protect employees' health and safety, and pay overtime wages. www.commondreams.org/views05/0212-12.htm

Grantmakers receive pay raise of 4 percent in 2004
Last year, grantmakers received a median pay raise of 4 percent and chief executives at all types of foundations received a median salary of $110,000, according to the 2004 Grantmakers Salary and Benefits Report. Published annually by the Council on Foundations, the survey's data was gathered from 6,480 full-time employees at 808 foundations and giving programs. For the first time, the survey asked about conflict of interest policies. Approximately 65 percent of responding foundations had a written policy for staff members. Read more at www.cof.org/Publications/Detail.cfm?ProductID=3007

World Social Forum draws over 150,000 participants
Over 150,000 participants attended the World Social Forum (WSF) with six-days of conferences, workshops, and panel discussions tackling a vast spectrum of issues ranging from environmental conservation, to global poverty, to the war in Iraq. Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez joined with thousands of activists who attended the forum. The World Social Forum was designed to counter the World Economic Forum in Davos Switzerland. In 2006 the World Social Forum will be decentralized and will happen in many different places in the world, and in 2007 it will take place in Africa. www.forumsocialmundial.org.br/index.php?cd_language=2&id_menu

Canadian company defies Guatemalan Citizens
Violence erupted and two people were killed when a Canadian mining company, Glamis Gold, through Montana Exploradora, its Guatemalan subsidiary, was sending mining equipment from Guatemala City to start drilling for gold in an indigenous community. The company had obtained permission from the government of Guatemala but disregarded obtaining permission from the members of the indigenous community themselves. www.rabble.ca/news_full_story.shtml?x=36978

CARE act reintroduced in senate
The Charitable Aid, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act includes provisions that would allow tax-free distributions from IRAs donated to charities during the donor's lifetime and a charitable deduction for non-itemizing taxpayers. One of the chief sponsors of the CARE act has re-introduced the legislation in the Senate. Senator Rick Santorum (PA) announced that the CARE Act is included in S. 6, one of the Senate Majority Leader's top 10 priority bills for the 109th Congress. In addition to the CARE Act, S. 6 includes welfare reform and family tax provisions. In the 108th Congress, the CARE Act (S. 476) passed the Senate by a vote of 95-5. Its companion bill, H.R. 7, passed the House by a vote of 408-13. Political issues unrelated to the bill prevented the reconciliation of the House and Senate versions. For more information, contact Diane Canova at canod@cof.org or 202/467-0405) or Brian Flahaven at flahb@cof.org or 202/467-0424).

Guyana devastated by floods
The coast of Guyana, South America lies below mean sea level and has experienced heavy torrential rainfall since late December 2004. As a result, an unprecedented flood situation has occurred throughout coastal Guyana. The parts of the country that were affected the most were Essequibo islands, West and East Demerara including Georgetown, Mahaica/ West Berbice. This covers about 75% of the country's population of more than 700,000. For more information, contact: Sewa International USA, P.O.Box 2376, Duluth GA 30096; or TEJMANI@aol.com

IRS letter clarifies funding of nonprofits that lobby
A letter of clarification from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to Charity Lobbying in the Public Interest (CLPI) dispels common misperceptions about foundation funding of nonprofits that lobby. Many grantmakers assume that funding nonprofits that lobby is illegal and not an appropriate activity. CLPI Chairperson Thomas A. Troyer said, "This letter makes abundantly clear that foundations may fund nonprofits that lobby. It also provides suggested language which foundations may safely use in their grant letters to nonprofits to facilitate that funding." The IRS information letter also specifies the circumstances under which private foundations themselves may engage in a wide range of policy-related activities that influence public policymaking. Read more: www.clpi.org/lobby_law_hm.html#LOBBYING%20AND%20FUNDING

Definitions of "Effective Philanthropy" vary
Based on interviews with sixty-one foundation CEOs and/or board chairs, the study, "Foundation Effectiveness: Definition and Challenges," by Francie Ostrower, found little consensus among foundation executives about what it means to be effective, with responses seeming to vary according to foundation type. For example, community foundation heads tended to cite the test of public responsiveness that the IRS specifically requires of such organizations as the true test of effectiveness, while heads of other foundations cited such measures as achieving a good return on assets, having an impact, and keeping relatives engaged in the foundation's work. "People speak as if the lack of advanced quantitative measures is what is holding foundations back from effectiveness," said Ostrower, who authored an earlier Urban Institute study that revealed a disconnect between what grantmakers say is needed to be effective and what they practice. "The problem is in some ways more basic--thoughtfulness." Available at: fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/439/tribune

January 17, 2005

The New Solicitation Rule
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) passed a new rule, effective January 2005, that redefines how contributions resulting from certain fundraising solicitations are treated under federal election law. If a fundraising solicitation suggests that any portion of the funds collected will be used to support or oppose the election of a federal candidate, all contributions in response to the solicitation will now be treated as political contributions under federal election law (see11 CFR 100.57). For more information, see: www.allianceforjustice.org

2005 World Social Forum to highlight rights of Indigenous people
This year's World Social Forum will, amongst other areas of concern, focus on "Working for the Rights and Recognition of Indigenous People." The World Social Forum to be held in Porto Alegre, Brazil between January 26 -31, has emerged as an important space for dialogue between civil society actors dedicated to alternative globalization and the idea that "another world is possible". For further information on the Forum, see www.ukabc.org/wsf2003.htm

Deadly year in Iraq has grown worse as military struggles to adjust tactics
By key measures of the level of insurgent violence against American forces in Iraq, (numbers of dead, wounded and insurgent attacks) the situation has grown worse since summer. While those numbers don't tell the full story of the conflict in Iraq, they suggest insurgents are growing more proficient, even as the size of the U.S. force increases and U.S. commanders succeed in soliciting more help from ordinary Iraqis. For example, The number of wounded surpassed 10,000, with more than a quarter injured in the last four months as direct combat, roadside bombs and suicide attacks escalated. When President Bush declared May 1, 2003, that major combat operations were over, the number wounded stood at just 542. U.S. deaths averaged 62 per month through the first half of the year. But since June 28, when U.S. officials restored Iraqi sovereignty and dissolved the U.S. civilian occupation authority, that average has jumped to about 78. To read the full article, please visit: www.commondreams.org/headlines04/1230-09.htm

Women at the heart of rebuilding shattered communities in South Asia
Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Director of the United Nations Development Fund for Women explains that in two of the areas worst hit by the tsunami, the province of Aceh in Indonesia and Sri Lanka , the current devastation converges with the complex consequences of decades-long civil war and, in some places, severe poverty. These forces have generated division and deprivation. But they have also led to the emergence of survival systems and mutual-aid networks, including among internally displaced and refugee communities. And women have been at the forefront of many of these. So, as the international community organizes to provide much needed assistance, it must prioritize the mobilization and support of women's networks that are crucial for emotional, social, and economic recovery. In short, women must be at the heart of the relief efforts and the re-building of shattered communities. To read the full story, visit www.civicus.org/new/content/rebuildingshatteredcommunities.htm

Gw/oB members respond to tsunami disaster
Through a recent informal survey, GwoB has learned that numerous members are responding to the tsunami disaster, most looking at medium to long-term responses, carefully strategizing about their funding, and finding local organizations on the ground to support. Gw/oB is finding that various kinds of foundations are responding: women's foundations, community foundations, private foundations, public foundations, and individuals. As some members gear up to engage in long term responses, a cluster of members choose not to respond. As one member stated, "Our focus is continued support to basic education and children's rights projects in Africa, India and Nepal and advocacy to ensure support to existing 'silent emergencies' affecting children's well-being in these areas is not undercut by the amazing tsunami response." GwoB is frequently updating our website with new information. Please visit the Critical Issues section of this site, if you haven't already.

Is the US Stingy?
As the United States and the rest of the world rush aid to the victims of the tsunamis around the Indian Ocean, a public debate has emerged on whether Americans are "stingy" or "generous" in their foreign aid. While Washington is the largest single development aid donor--contributing some $15 billion dollars in 2003--the picture changes considerably when the size of its economy or its population is considered. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Washington contributed only 0.15 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) to development assistance, earning it last place in the rank of the 21 major western donors. Similarly, in per capita terms, U.S. development assistance is near the bottom of the heap, averaging roughly 13 cents a day. But while Americans do indeed give more of their own money to overseas aid programs than most western donors, the amount remains a small fraction of what other countries give through their governments. According to the CGD study, Americans spend the equivalent of 5 cents a day on private donations to overseas aid programs, bringing public and private aid to a per capita average of 18 cents a day. This puts the U.S. well ahead of Italy, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand, and Greece; but it still lags behind Canada and Austria; and far behind the most generous donors--including Norway, Switzerland, and Ireland--which give more in private donations per capita, as well as government aid, than Americans. "In terms of aid given per person, the U.S. is one of the least generous rich countries," said David Roodman, a CGD Fellow. See: www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0104-13.htm

Tsunami Impact: Loss of innocence in the politics of aid
The international summit meeting to coordinate aid for the victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami opened in Jakarta last week, and various states are jockeying for political advantage in the region. Prominent among them are the United States, India, Japan and Australia, which have formed a self-nominated "core group" while bypassing the United Nations. India's decision to join the "core group" has drawn flak from within the country. "This is a clear departure from New Delhi's long-established stand for multilateralism and working with the U.N. system," says Achin Vanaik, professor of political science at the University of Delhi. "It also violates the pledge made by the eight month-old Manmohan Singh government to work for a multipolar world." Read more at: www.commondreams.org/headlines05/0105-10.htm

First post-war survey of Iraqi women shows women want legal rights
The first survey of Iraqi women since the outbreak of the war was recently released by Women for Women International, one of the few non-governmental organizations remaining in Baghdad. The groundbreaking survey paints a vivid and even surprising portrait of Iraqi women in transition and dispels the prevailing notion that women believe tradition, customs or religion should limit their participation in the formation of a new Iraqi government. The most unexpected result of the survey is that despite increasing violence, particularly violence against women, 90.6% of Iraqi women reported that they are hopeful about their future. To read the entire report, visit: echo3.bluehornet.com/ct/ct.php?t=74428&c=61223891&m=m&type=1

December 27, 2004

The Neo-Cons: Are they serious about Syria?
Key neo-conservative opinion shapers are calling on President George W Bush to take stronger measures against Syria, possibly including military action, just when it appeared that Syria was complying in earnest with U.S. demands to secure its border with Iraq and even making peace overtures to Israel. According to Jim Lobe of the Inter Press Service, a media campaign was launched last week, when three analysts associated with the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies (FDD), a neo-conservative group that generally backs positions of Israel's right-wing Likud Party, published an article in the 'Washington Times' titled 'Syria's Murderous Role: Assad Aides (sic) Iraq's Terrorist Insurgency'. The 'Wall Street Journal' followed up in its lead editorial charging, "Syria is providing material support to terrorist groups killing American soldiers in Iraq while openly calling on Iraqis to join the 'resistance'." The new campaign against Syria recalls a similar effort that began building in the immediate aftermath of the U.S. invasion of Iraq in March 2003. The new campaign appears to be based primarily on alleged statements by unidentified U.S. military and intelligence officials cited in the 'Washington Times' op-ed and a subsequent 'Washington Post' news article to the effect that the Sunni insurgency in Iraq is being organized, funded and even managed by, as the Post put it, "a handful of Iraqi Baathists operating in Syria". While many have seized on mostly anonymous accounts as proof of Syria's sinister role in Iraq, they have ignored other evidence of increased co-operation by Damascus, particularly in sealing its border. To read the full article, please go to: www.commondreams.org/headlines04/1217-06.htm

Islamic charities and U.S. government debate terrorist designation
The U.S. Treasury terrorist designation process has sparked a debate between attorneys for several Islamic charities in the United States, who say their clients are being denied normal U.S. legal protections, and government officials, who say that the designations are being carefully managed and reflect the realities of the post-9/11 world, the Washington Post reports. Under the three-year-old program, nearly four hundred groups and individuals have been designated supporters or financiers of terrorism, meaning they are subject to seizure of assets and prevented from doing business without government permission. A report of the 9/11 Commission, published in August, noted that the government's treatment of Global Relief and other charities "raises substantial civil liberties concerns," and added that the practice of freezing a charity's assets pending an investigation "is a powerful weapon with potentially dangerous applications when applied to domestic institutions." Because U.S. authorities face obstacles in gathering evidence that is usable in court, the report concluded, the Treasury designations were being based on less substantial "links" to terrorists rather than hard proof of "funding." Lawyers for the nonprofits complain that there is no legal definition of a "specially designated global terrorist." Read the article by David Ottaway, "Groups, U.S. Battle Over 'Global Terrorist' Label." washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A48156-2004Nov13.html

Foreign student enrollment declines for first time in generation
A recent study by the Institute of International Education reports that for the first time since 1971, the absolute number of foreign students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities declined in 2003/2004, apparently as an indirect result of the U.S. "war on terrorism". The decrease in enrollment was by 2.4%, while at the same time there was in increase of 8.5% of U.S. students who went to foreign countries for study. Students, particularly from predominantly Islamic countries and, to some extent, from other countries in Asia, have found it more difficult to obtain visas in a timely manner, despite efforts by U.S. consular officials to speed up the process. U.S. educational and scientific associations have warned that a decline in the number and quality of foreign students coming to the United States for advanced work, in particular, threatens the country's long-term competitiveness and global image. To read the full article, please visit: www.commondreams.org/headlines04/1116-21.htm

Report finds contradictions between foundation attitudes and practices on effectiveness
In a recently released study, analysts have concluded that some foundations do not engage in the very practices they say are important for their grantees' effectiveness. "Attitudes and Practices Concerning Effective Philanthropy" is the first national assessment of philanthropic practices for effectiveness. The study's primary objectives are to identify how foundation staff and leaders assess and use many practices considered to yield greater effectiveness in philanthropy and uncover new practices that may be of value to the field. Grantmakers can use the study's findings to compare their own practices with those of their peers. The study was released by The Urban Institute in partnership with Grantmakers for Effective Organizations and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. To read an executive summary, go to www.urban.org/UploadedPDF/310986_attitudes_practices_ES.pdf

Channel Foundation offers scholarships for citizens of developing nations
Channel Foundation, a private foundation based in Seattle, principally funds social, economic and environmental justice work of grassroots organizations in various parts of the world. One of its programs, the Native Leadership Scholarship, has operated since 2001. The NLS provides support for graduate study to citizens of developing nations who have some work experience in critical needs areas of their country. Channel will accept pre-applications for the 2005-06 academic year from Jan. I to Mar. 26, 2005. Complete information about the NLS program and application procedures is available at www.NativeLeaders.org

Changemakers Innovation Award strategies sought (deadline 1/14/05)
Changemakers and Ashoka's Citizen Base Initiative invite you to submit strategies for the Changemakers Innovation Award. The contest recognizes ways that citizen sector organizations worldwide have found to generate a citizen base for successful and sustainable social change work. Each of five winners will receive a $1,000 cash prize. The application deadline is January 14, 2005. Read more or nominate a colleague: www.changemakers.net/journal/04november/contest.cfm

Sidney Hillman Foundation to Honor Social Justice (deadline: 2/15/05)
The Sidney Hillman Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2005 Sidney Hillman Awards honoring journalism that investigates issues related to social justice and progressive public policy. The Hillman Award categories for 2005 will include Books (nonfiction), Newspaper Reporting, Magazine Reporting, Film and Broadcast Journalism (including television and radio), and Photojournalism. The 2005 awards will be given for work produced, published, or exhibited in 2004. Editors, photo editors, producers, reporters, and authors are invited to submit nominations throughout the year. Winners will be awarded a $2,000 prize and a plaque. RFP Link: www.hillmanfoundation.org

Independent Sector invites nominations for John W. Gardner Award (deadline 1/31/05)
The John W. Gardner Leadership Award was established by Independent Sector in 1985 to honor outstanding Americans who, in their own way, exemplify the leadership and ideals of John W. Gardner, founding chairperson of Independent Sector. The award recognizes living Americans working in or with the voluntary sector who build, mobilize, and unify people, institutions, or causes. The award consists of $10,000 and a replica of an original relief bust of John Gardner by the late sculptor Frederick Hart. Anyone may nominate an individual to receive the award. For complete award information, nomination procedures, and the online nomination form, see the Independent Sector Web site. www.independentsector.org/about/gardneraward.htm

December 20, 2004

Nonprofits challenge government's watch list policy
An alliance of America's leading nonprofit organizations has filed a lawsuit in the U.S District Court challenging the federal Office of Personnel Management's (OMP) Combined Federal Campaign requirement that obligates charities to check their employees and expenditures against several terrorist watch lists. According to an American Civil Liberties Union Press release, the plaintiffs in the lawsuit allege that the watch list policy is vague, misleading, and violates the First and Fifth Amendments to the U.S Constitution. In early 2004 the OMP set up a policy that charities participating in the federal government's annual charity drive certify that they do not knowingly employ people or give money to groups whose names appear on several terrorist watch lists, which nonprofits assert are riddled with errors. At www.aclu.org/SafeandFree/SafeandFree.cfm?ID=16239&c=206

Philanthropy lags behind, study says
The United States ranks only seventh in the world in its level of private philanthropy as a percent of gross domestic product (GDP), according to a study from the Center for Civil Society Studies at the Johns Hopkins Institute for Policy Studies, led by Lester M. Salamon. Excluding giving to religious congregations (for which other countries' data are unavailable), U.S. giving accounted for only 2.47 percent of GDP, compared to 4.49 percent in the Netherlands, 4.41 percent in Sweden, 3.76 percent in Tanzania, 3.01 percent in Norway, 2.93 percent in France and 2.57 percent in the United Kingdom. Download the chart: www.jhu.edu/cnp/compdata.html

Judge orders Islamic fundraisers to pay $156 million
The Chicago Tribune reports that several Islamic fundraisers with alleged links to the militant Palestinian group Hamas have been ordered to pay $156 million in damages to the parents of a teenager killed in a 1996 terrorist attack in Israel, in what both sides agreed was a precedent-setting decision in U.S. District Court in Chicago. In the first decision by a jury holding U.S. citizens or organizations liable under a federal anti-terrorism law that allows victims of terrorism to sue for civil damages, the jury awarded Stanley and Joyce Boim, U.S. citizens living in Israel, $52 million in damages, far more than their lawyers had sought in their closing arguments. Lawyers for Salah, the institute, and the foundation said they would appeal the decision. John Boyd, an Albuquerque lawyer who represents the foundation, said the charity was "tried and convicted" without being given an opportunity to prove its innocence. To read the full article, please visit: chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0412090101dec09,0,7751293.story

No new charitable legislation introduced by Congress
Last week, the 108th Congress formally adjourned without the introduction or consideration of new charitable legislation. Finance Committee staff may release additions to the committee's discussion draft in December or January. According to a committee staff person, the additions will focus on reforms in three areas: donor-advised funds, type III supporting organizations, and credit counseling agencies. The Council on Foundations said that while new legislation will not be introduced until next year, some of the discussion draft additions may appear in legislative form.

December 13, 2004

Nonprofits under-report fundraising and administrative costs
Many nonprofits underreport fundraising and administrative costs, according to a study done by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University and the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy at the D.C.-based Urban Institute. The study found that that 37 percent of nonprofits with private contributions of $50,000 or more in 2000 reported no fundraising or special event costs. Because organizations almost always have to spend money to raise money, it's simply not plausible, according to the study's authors. "There is a tendency among many donors and funders to resist paying for operating expenses," said Eugene R. Tempel, executive director of the Center on Philanthropy." The information and tools generated by this project will give nonprofits better ways to show their true, full cost of operating, average costs for organizations like theirs, and why donors who want quality programs should support reasonable fundraising and administrative costs needed to sustain them." To read more on this report see: www.philanthropy.iupui.edu/nr-cost_study.html

Network promotes "Sweat-Free" clothing this holiday season
This holiday season, several anti-sweatshop organizations and sweat-free producers are launching a new strategy and a new web site -- to connect consumers who want to be part of the fight against sweatshops with workers who either own the factories in which they work (worker-owned cooperatives) or have organized themselves into democratic unions. The network's website [www.sweatshopwatch.org/sweatfree], hosted by Sweatshop Watch, will enable consumers to purchase a wide range of sweat-free clothing for gifts this holiday season. For more information contact: info@sweatfree.org and visit: www.sweatshopwatch.org/sweatfree

Campesinos take on globalization goliath in Bolivia
Bolivia's government is currently debating nationalization of oil resources, with a vote expected by the end of the year. A recent article by William Braun describes the efforts of the Bolivians to continue their struggle against neo-liberal policies and to gain control of oil and gas reserves, "They sent a water-privatizing multinational packing, and chased an ultra-neoliberal president all the way to Miami. Now they have come head-to-head with the ultimate goliath of globalization. The people of Bolivia - stalwarts on the front lines of anti-globalization - are trying to wrest control of the country's oil and gas reserves from the big boys of fossil fuel." But as Oscar Olivera, one of the most recognizable figures of the Bolivian movement, tells it, the struggle is not so much against corporations or politicians as it is for public control of decisions affecting everyday life. "People can change things," says Olivera, and a seemingly unstoppable public momentum is building around this simple realization. The Bolivians "want to participate in the management of all that affects their daily lives." The people of Bolivia are on the move, and the momentum of "la gente" is tipping the scales of Bolivian history in favor of the common people. To read the full article, visit: www.rabble.ca/news_full_story.shtml?x=35645

Study shows US foundations maintain international giving above $3 billion
The Foundation Center recently released a report that states giving by the nation's foundations for U.S.-based and overseas international programs reached $3 billion for the fourth year in a row in 2003, despite an economic downturn, terrorist attacks, and the continuing war on terror. Although most of the foundations surveyed expect their giving to remain steady or increase in 2004, nearly eight out of ten believe that international giving is now more difficult due to a more demanding and uncertain regulatory environment. Among their concerns are Executive Order 13224, which prohibits transactions with organizations deemed to be associated with terrorism, and certain provisions of the Patriot Act. In addition, nearly 70 percent feel that the war on terrorism makes overseas funding more difficult due to increased security risks. Dorothy Ridings, president of the Foundation Center said, "Despite the economic downturn and new regulatory procedures, U.S. foundations and corporate grantmakers have shown a strong and growing commitment to engage with the world outside our borders. Increased funding contributes to efforts to discourage terrorism, raise living standards, improve human rights, and build democracy and civil societies." Available at: fdncenter.org/research/trends_analysis/pdf/intlhlts.pdf

December 6, 2004

Council on Foundations accepting applications for Emerging Philanthropic Leadership Fellowship
The Council on Foundations is accepting applications for the 2005-2007 Emerging Philanthropic Leaders Fellowship. The Emerging Philanthropic Leaders Fellowship "helps tomorrow's foundation leaders become more effective within their communities and the larger field of organized philanthropy." Each year, the Council on Foundations awards two individuals a two-year fellowship. Each fellow is paired with a mentor who assists him/her in developing a plan for professional growth and organizational development. Applicants must be associated with a Council on Foundations member or member-eligible organization and the deadline for applications is December 31, 2004. Eligibility requirements and nomination guidelines are available on the Council's website www.cof.org/files/Documents/ Diversity/diversitybrochure.pdf to learn more.

New Report: Continuing Attacks on Nonprofit Advocacy
OMB Watch released Continuing Attacks on Nonprofit Speech: Death by a Thousand Cuts II, a follow up to a similar report last year. Both reports document a number of case examples that demonstrate the government's willingness to force its point of view on nonprofits and take punitive action toward those that raise questions about administration policy. Taken one by one, these examples may not seem to have a broad impact beyond those directly involved. But taken together, they mean major trouble for the nonprofit sector. If you know of other groups that have similar experiences, please let me know. You will find a brief summary of the findings below. The full report is online (in pdf format) at www.ombwatch.org/death2-final.pdf The Executive Summary is online at www.ombwatch.org/article/ articleview/2490/1/3?TopicID=3.

Charitable Donations Rebound in 2003, Survey Finds
According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, giving to the nation's biggest charities rose 2.3 percent last year, reaching the $47 billion mark, a sign that fund-raising by charities is beginning to recover from the doldrums it fell into in 2002, when the four hundred charities in the Chronicle's annual survey suffered a 1.2 percent decline in donations. The Salvation Army, which raised $1.3 billion in 2003, took the top spot on the Chronicle's Philanthropy 400 list, which ranks charities according to how much they raise in private and non-government contributions. The American Cancer Society, which raised $794 million, rose to number two in the rankings -- in part because it, like many other groups, placed more emphasis on attracting big gifts and on hiring more fundraisers. The American Red Cross, which raised more than $1 billion for recovery efforts after the 9/11 attacks, fell from the number-one spot it held in 2002 to number eight in 2003. Rounding out the top ten were Gifts in Kind International (#3), the YMCA (#4), Lutheran Services in America (#5), AmeriCares Foundation (#6), the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund (#7), Feed the Children (#9), and Harvard University (#10). Many charities are also expecting healthy returns in 2004. Among the seventy-four organizations that provided estimates of their 2004 fundraising, the median projected increase was 5.8 percent. Even so, many organizations are not rising as much as they did in the 1990s, when percentage increases regularly reached double-digits. Chronicle of Philanthropy 10/28/04. See: philanthropy.com/free/ articles/v17/i02/02002601.htm.

Going International: Guidestar announced the creation of Guidestart
This new nonprofit organization expands on the GuideStar model of making nonprofit information more accessible by setting up charitable databases and websites outside the United States. New initiatives will commence in Germany and, in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, in South Africa. Ultimately, a collaborative network will share technology, data, best practices and international fundraising. Find out more: www.guidestar.org/about/ press/041004_gs_intl.jsp.

Council on Foundations seeks nominations for International Committee
The Council on Foundations is seeking nominations to fill upcoming vacant positions on its International Committee. The committee seeks members who are committed to its goals of assisting the Council in building and extending the field of international philanthropy and increasing its effectiveness. Selections are made with a view toward ensuring that the committee is broadly representative of the Council's membership. The deadline for nominations is December 31, 2004. Read more: www.cof.org/Content/ General/Display.cfm?contentID=924.

The Women's Edge Coalition has issued new "Guide to Global Issues" and issues challenge to American women
The Million Women Challenge is a nationwide effort to mobilize people across the United States to take action and tell elected officials and candidates about international women's issues. The Women's Edge Coalition's newly released "Guide to Global Issues" outlines information about 12 of the most pressing international issues. They have also developed a "Global Issues Action Toolkit" which has specific steps to take to get involved. For more information, please visit: www.womensedge.org/pages/ getinvolved/action_materials.jsp?id=24.

Fast Company seeks nominations for 25 women business owners who are changling the rules in the world of business
Fast Company , in partnership with the Women Presidents' Organization, is looking for the top 25 women business owners in the U.S. and Canada who are changing the rules in the world of business. These elite entrepreneurs are creating their own companies, their own business models, and their own ways of working -- redefining the way we will all think about business in the future. Our "25 Women Who Are Changing the Game" awards list will be published in the May 2005 issue of Fast Company magazine, and the winners will be recognized at the annual WPO conference to be held in April 2005 in Toronto. All applications are due by Friday January 14, 2005. For applications, please visit: www.fastcompany.com/women/application.html.

November 22, 2004

NCRP'S State of Philanthropy report Identifies Accomplishments and Shortcomings of the Grantmaking Field
The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) today released The State of Philanthropy 2004, a collection of analyses on the accomplishments and shortcomings of the grantmaking field, with a focus on the social justice arena. The biennial presents diverse perspectives from nonprofit, academic, foundation and advocacy leaders, and discusses how philanthropic institutions can assist the nonprofit sector in securing social and economic justice for the nation. Jeff Krehely, deputy director of NCRP said of the report, "These writers illuminate common themes of fairness, equity, and empowerment, regardless of the specific topic being addressed." Copies can be ordered from NCRP for $30 per copy. Checks or money orders should be made payable to NCRP and mailed-along with the purchaser's name and address-to the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, 2001 S Street NW, Suite 620, Washington, DC 20009. Excerpts from the publication also can be viewed by visiting NCRP online at www.ncrp.org.

Gw/oB member Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice offers grants to sexual minorities globally. Deadline: March 15, 2005
The Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice established the International Fund for Sexual Minorities to support groups, projects, or organizations led by and/or for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) communities working toward progressive social change and that directly address oppression based on sexual orientation and gender expression. Only groups (not individuals) are eligible to apply. Groups must be based in Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, the Pacific Islands, Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Republics, the Middle East, or Africa, and must be doing work on issues affecting LGBTI people and/or people who are penalized, persecuted, or harassed for their sexual behavior with consenting adults or for their gender expression. Non-LGBT-led groups must demonstrate how they address LGBTI human rights issues and how they involve LGBTIs in organizational decision-making. Funding priorities include groups directed by and targeted to lesbians; and groups composed of, or who have a history of working with, LGBTI communities and who may also work with vulnerable sexual minorities, including transvestites, sex workers, youth, seniors, people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities. The maximum grant is $10,000. The average grant ranges from $2,000 to $6,000. For more information, please visit: www.astraeafoundation.org/PHP/Grants/DeadlinesAllGrants.php4.

Taking blended value investing to the next step
The challenges and rewards of "blended value" investing -- a new approach that seeks financial, social and environmental returns -- were discussed in depth at a conference at World Economic Forum headquarters in Geneva in September. The workshop attracted more than 80 practitioners from academia, multi-lateral aid agencies, civil society and foundations, who gathered to explore ways to scale up the growing movement toward blended value investing. The amount of capital available for such investment -- estimated at $2.3 trillion in the US alone -- is increasing, but remains a small portion of the $17 trillion total capital market. Participants included a diverse array of practitioners, representing large institutions as well as individuals who have created microcredit funds at the local level. Most agreed that making successful blended value investments is even more challenging than investing solely for profit. The workshop focused on investments that are not publicly traded and served to clarify the needs and interests of different types of investors within this field. The event was sponsored by The Rockefeller Foundation, the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank Group and the World Economic Forum; a conference report will be available on the Forum's website (www.weforum.org) in December. In the meantime, additional background on blended value can be found at www.blendedvalue.org.

Independent Sector Creates National Panel to Make Recommendations to Congress on improving the Oversight and Governance of Charitable Organizations.
The Panel on the Nonprofit Sector was formed at the encouragement of Senate Finance Committee Chair Charles Grassley and Ranking Member Max Baucus, and is comprised of twenty-five leaders of public charities and private foundations. Paul Brest, president of The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and M. Cass Wheeler, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, are the co-coveners. The Finance Committee asked the panel to provide initial findings and recommendations by February 2005 and a final report in spring 2005. Read more: www.independentsector.org/media/sector_panel.html.

November 15, 2004

Donor Advised Fund Reform Appears Near
The days of semi-regulated donor advised funds (DAF) might be numbered as the U.S. Senate Finance Committee looks to clamp down on this sector. Based on the hearing and its own research, the finance committee’s staff has recommended to senators that changes need to be made. Some recommendations include: DAFs could only make grants to foreign organizations if those organizations appeared on an IRS list of approved foreign organizations. Some regulations on DAFs might come as soon as this fall, with more sweeping change likely in 2005, according to Jill Gerber, spokeswoman for the Senate Finance Committee. For more information see: www.nptimes.com/Nov04/sr3.html.

Strong Returns on Foundation Investments
According to the Commonfund Benchmarks Study® - Foundations 2004, U.S. independent/private, community and public foundations performed well during fiscal year 2003. Respondents reported an average total annual return of 17 percent net of fees, up from an average annual total return of -8.7 percent in 2003. The largest foundations (those with assets over $1 billion) performed best, with an average return of 20.5 percent, up from -7.7 percent. Small foundations (those with assets of $50 to100 million) reported an average return of 15.5 percent, up from -10.3 percent. Independent foundations had an average return of 17.8 percent, community foundations 17 percent and public foundations 11.7 percent. The difference in returns was due in large part to greater diversification and use of alternative strategies among the largest funds. Find out more: www.commonfund.org/Commonfund/Archive/CF+Institute/06_21_2004_press_release.

Nominations Invited for Jonathan Mann Award for Global Health and Human Rights
Deadline: January 31, 2005
The Jonathan Mann Award for Global Health and Human Rights is presented annually to honor a leading practitioner in health and human rights, and to help call attention to the vital links between health and human rights. The award program is supported by the Association François-Xavier Bagnoud, Doctors of the World, and the Global Health Council. The award will be presented to a practitioner in health and human rights, be it an individual or organization.The award is a substantial cash prize and is intended to allow its recipients a measure of freedom to pursue their work in the area of global health and human rights. See the Global Health Council Web site: globalhealth.org/conference/view_top.php3?id=238.

November 9, 2004

Foundation Formation in U.S. and Europe Signals Changes in Philanthropy
Both in the United States and in parts of Europe a more engaged approach to philanthropy is becoming popular, with more foundations being formed by living donors rather than bequests and a new generation of entrepreneurs taking a hands-on approach to how their charitable dollars are used, the Economist reports. In the United States, notes Eugene Tempel, director of the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University ( www.philanthropy.iupui.edu ), the number of new private foundations has grown dramatically, from about 22,000 in the early 1980s to 65,000 today. Many of these new foundations were founded in the mid-1990s with dot-com money, and many of their founders are younger than in the past. Something similar is happening in parts of Europe, says Helmut Anheier, Director of the Center for Civil Society at UCLA's School of Public Policy and Social Research ( www.sppsr.ucla.edu/sppsr_intro.cfm ), who notes that foundations are booming in Italy, where they are a relatively new phenomenon. Another study, by the Bertels-mann Foundation, reveals that two hundred foundations a year were being created in Germany in the early 1990s; today, the number is between eight hundred and nine hundred. With the retirement of the founders of the post-war businesses that built the German economy, "the transfer of wealth is extraordinary in Germany today,"said Karsten Timmer, the study's author. Moreover, half the founders Timmer surveyed are actively involved in their foundations, which for many have become their second career. A similar transfer of wealth in the United States has been documented by Paul Schervish and John Havens of the Center on Wealth and Philanthropy ( www.bc.edu/research/swri/ ) at Boston College, who estimate the size of the generational transfer of wealth in the U.S. by 2052 at between $41 trillion and $136 trillion. For now, the two are cautiously hedging their projections toward the lower end of the range -- a figure four times the present size of the U.S. economy. But is a world of burgeoning philanthropy, full of donors who want to control how their money is spent really an attractive prospect? the Economist asks. Maybe not, says Schervish. "You will start to hear, 'We don't like what the wealthy are giving to. It's undemocratic.'" "Doing Well and Doing Good." The Economist 7/29/04. economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=2963247.

Lemelson Foundation to Fund 'Sustainable Invention' in Developing World
The Portland-based Lemelson Foundation ( ) has announced plans to shift the focus of its grantmaking from rewarding American ingenuity to supporting "sustainable invention" in the developing world, the New York Times reports. The foundation, which was endowed a decade ago with patent royalties earned by American inventor Jerome Lemelson, has supported American invention through such efforts as the Lemelson-MIT program, which recently awarded the annual Lemelson-MIT prize and $500,000 to Nick Holonyak, Jr. for inventing the first practical light-emitting diode. By 2006, however, the foundation plans to devote half its approximately $13 million annual grantmaking budget to encourage invention and innovation in the developing world. The shift in focus reflects the interests of Jerome Lemelson's sons, Rob and Eric, who along with their wives and their mother, Dorothy, oversee the foundation. Jerome Lemelson, who died in 1997 at the age of 74, was the recipient of 562 patents during his lifetime � second only to Thomas Edison -- and earned more than $1 billion in royalties. But while admired by independent inventors as a classic American success story, Lemelson was some- times criticized by corporate lawyers, who characterized him as a shrewd manipulator of the patent system. Because many developing countries have poorly enforced or non-existent patent regimes, the foundation no longer stresses patents over the act of invention. The ideas "just have to improve lives on a basic level," said Eric Lemelson. The foundation also plans to fund efforts to strengthen intellectual property institutions. "All his life, Jerry wanted to celebrate American invention," said Dorothy Lemelson. "He felt it was what made this country strong. Now it's time to turn to the rest of the world and see what we can do for them." Riordan, Teresa. "Expanding Reach of Patent Prizes." New York Times 04/26/04. .

Gates Foundation-Funded Malaria Vaccine Shows Early Promise
A proof-of-concept study published in the British medical journal The Lancet reports that a malaria vaccine developed by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals protected a significant percentage of children against malaria infection and severe forms of the disease for at least six months. Co-sponsored by the Malaria Vaccine Initiative ( malariavaccine.org ), the controlled study of 2,022 children in southern Mozambique -- the largest malaria vaccine efficacy trial ever conducted on the continent -- also confirmed the vaccine's safety in young children. The initiative, a global program of PATH, was established in 1999 with a $50 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which awarded it an additional $100 million in 2003. According to the study, vaccine efficacy against clinical malaria attacks was 30 percent; efficacy against primary infection with the parasite that causes the greatest number of cases of malaria was 45 percent; and efficacy against severe disease was 58 percent. It is estimated that malaria kills between one and three million people in the world's poorest countries every year, and more children in sub-Saharan Africa than any other infectious disease. Further studies are required, however, and a commercial malaria vaccine is not expected to be available before 2010. "These findings represent a breakthrough in the science of malaria vaccines," said MVI director Melinda Moree. "They provide convincing evidence that a vaccine could become part of the world's efforts to spare children and families from the devastating effects of this disease. This brings us another step closer to a licensed vaccine." "Public-Private Partnership Leads to Scientific Breakthrough in Malaria Vaccine Development." Malaria Vaccine Initiative Press Release 10/15/04. malariavaccine.org/files/Montreaux%20Media%20Briefing/Press-release-english.htm.

November 2, 2004

Global grantmakers offer innovative programs to engender peace and justice
Gw/oB members might take inspiration for their own grantmaking programs from several foundations working on global peace and justice. The Gleitsman Foundation's International Activist Award is a $100,000 prize recognizing positive social activism, including in human rights, hunger, free speech, and ethnic tolerance. For more information, visit www.gleitsman.org. The Peace Development Fund has launched a one-time funding effort to support US-based grassroots organizations working on several themes in the peace and social justice movements, including the US role in the global community and the human and economic cost of war. Among the priorities of the program are efforts to make the connection between the war in Iraq and domestic issues and budget priorities of the US government. For more information on this initiative, visit www.peacedevelopmentfund.org/grant/-grnntrn.htm. And lastly, the Tides Foundation's Fund for Drug Policy Reform is making grants to Latin America-based groups dealing with the negative consequences of the war on drugs. For more on this initiative, go to www.tidesfoundation.org/drug_policy.cfm.

GAO says Treasury has no basis for claim that charities are big source of terrorist funding
The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) noted in a November 2003 report that the US Treasury Department was not systematically reviewing data on all known sources of terrorist financing, As a result, GAO concluded that Treasury had no basis on which to assess the relative importance of charitable versus non-charitable channels of support to terrorist organizations. Such non-charitable channels include banks and family remittances. Treasury has long maintained that the charitable sector is a sieve for terrorist financing. The report, called "Terrorist Financing: U.S. agencies should systematically assess terrorists' use of alternative financing mechanisms" (GAO-04-163, November 2003) is available at www.gao.gov/new.items/d04163.pdf.

September 20, 2004

Detroit Free Press reports on foundation compliance with anti-terrorist guidelines
A recent article in the Detroit Free Press describes how foundations are finding themselves playing both grantmaker AND investigator in their efforts to comply with Executive Order 13224. That document forbids charitable organizations from supporting individuals and organizations listed on any of several government-issued lists of suspected terrorists. The article describes the confusion around the regulatory climate for grantmaking post-9/11. It notes that the new due diligence norms put staff in awkward positions as investigators and that they place unreasonable financial and staffing burdens on small foundations. For the complete article, go to www.freep.com/news/mich/charity6e_20040906.htm. Click here for Gw/oB's primer on post-9/11 grantmaking.

Public confidence in foundations and other nonprofits remains low
According to a new survey by the Brookings Institute, public confidence in charitable organizations, including foundations, continues to be low. A few reasons are cited: questions surrounding the disbursement of September 11 relief funds and conflict-of-interest and compensation controversies involving the Nature Conservancy and several private foundations. Public confidence in charitable organizations stands 10 to 15 percent lower today than it was in the summer of 2001. Only 11 percent of respondents believe that charitable organizations do a very good job spending money wisely. Just 31 percent believe charities do a good job helping people. The full report is at www.brook.edu/views/papers/light/20040913.pdf.

Unocal to face charges on human rights abuses in Burma
Global Response reports that the California Superior Court has rejected an attempt by Unocal Corp. to dismiss a lawsuit charging it is responsible for human rights abuses committed by the Burmese military on behalf of Unocal's Yadana Pipeline project in southern Burma. The Court's action clears the way for a jury trial to begin after eight years of litigation. "There is abundant evidence that the Burmese military, Unocal's project partner, forced villagers to perform hard labor against their will and committed widespread human rights violations for Unocal's benefit," said Richard Herz of EarthRights International. Paul Hoffman, cooperating attorney with the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR), noted that "This is an important decision, not only because it allows Unocal to be held liable for abuses committed overseas, but also because it tells other multinational corporations that go into business with repressive dictatorships that they are responsible for their partners' human rights violations." For more, go to www.globalresponse.org.

September 13, 2004

Rockefeller Brothers Fund offers Fellowships in Nonprofit Law
The Rockefeller Brothers Fund Fellowship in Nonprofit Law, a collaborative effort of several organizations, offers an annual fellowship-in-residence at the Vera Institute of Justice, a nonprofit organization working to make government policies and practices more fair, humane, and efficient for all people. Law school graduates are exposed to non-profit legal and organizational issues and are given the opportunity to identify an emerging or changing area of law with particular significance for nonprofits, exploring that area in depth and in context. For more information, go to www.law.nyu.edu/ncpl/carrframe.html.

Advancements for reproductive health in Bolivia come under attack
Earlier this year, both houses of Bolivia's Congress passed a Framework Law on Reproductive and Sexual Rights. If passed, the law would consolidate and give force to existing norms in Bolivian law and to those to which the Bolivian government has committed itself through international agreements. Not surprisingly, the Catholic and evangelical churches have applied pressure to stop final passage of the law, succeeding in getting President Carlos Mesa to refuse to sign the bill and to return it to Congress for further review and discussion. Congress is expected to renew consideration of the issue this month.

Indigenous Guatemalans demand justice on Chixoy Dam
According to Rights Action (www.rightsaction.org), Mayan-Achi massacre survivors took control of the Chixoy Hydro-electric Dam in Guatemala last week. In 1976, the Guatemalan army carried out massacres that killed 450 villagers, forcibly displacing the community to make way for the flooding of the dam basin. The World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank were indispensable in the planning and financing of the Chixoy Dam and at present do not recognize that Indigenous rights were violated. Effected communities are seeking reparations.

200 tons of fuel oil are spilled near Sakhalin Island
Pacific Environment reports that, on September 8th, a Shell Oil-contracted dredging vessel spilled as much as 200 tons of heavy fuel oil and diesel after running aground near Russia's Sakhalin Island during a typhoon. Local and international conservation groups are responding with outrage, noting that Shell and international financers have been warned for years about the high risk of spills and inadequacy of the project's oil spill response plans. Sakhalin Island is known for its severe climate, with regular typhoons, and for being one of the most seismically active areas on the Pacific Rim. At stake is a pristine marine environment that supports a fishing industry that accounts for one-third of the local economy. For more got to www.pacificenvironment.org.

September 8, 2004

Attitudes among fundraisers take an upturn
Nonprofit fundraisers' attitudes about the climate for charitable giving have greatly improved over the past year, according to the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University's Philanthropic Giving Index (PGI). The PGI is similar to a Consumer Confidence Index for charitable giving. The survey's Present Situation Index, which assesses the current fundraising climate, shows a 38.7 percent increase from one year ago and is at nearly the level seen before September 11, 2001. The overall PGI, which includes both the current and predicted future climate, is more than 25 percent higher than a year ago. Fundraisers at arts, culture and humanities organizations were more optimistic on all three indexes than were fundraisers from other types of organizations. For more go to www.philanthropy.iupui.edu/nr-PGI-Summer2004.htm.

Foundation Center offers statistics on staffing of foundations
In a recent survey of some 20,000 US foundations, the Foundation Center found that just 17 percent of foundations employ staff and that at those staffed foundations, the average number of employees is 5.2. That means a total of roughly 17,000 staff positions at the 20,000 surveyed foundations. At the same time, these 20,000 foundations utilize on average 4.3 trustees each, for a total of roughly 80,000 trustee positions. Community foundations are the most heavily staffed, while corporate foundations have the smallest average staff. Foundations in the West averaged the largest staff—7.9 people per foundation—compared to 4.9 in the East, 4.5 in the Midwest and 4.1 in the South. For staffing tables, go to: www.fdncenter.org/fc_stats/gm_staff.html.

New Voices seeks promising leaders committed to social justice and peace
The Academy for Educational Development is now seeking applicants for its New Voices Program. Through this initiative, 15 promising leaders are given the chance to work within a non-profit setting for two years, receiving a salary, mentoring and professional development. An applying nonprofit and its prospective Fellow prepare the application together as a team. Among the sponsored fields of work are international human rights, HIV/AIDS, reproductive rights and women's rights. The deadline for applications is January 10th, 2005. For more information, go to www.aed.org/newvoices.

Haiti watchers fear the road is being paved for the return of the military
The recent "trial" and acquittal of a former FRAPH leader is only the most newsworthy indication that the interim government in Haiti is well on its way to re-establishing the Haitian army, a development that has many Haiti watchers deeply concerned. Noteworthy is the increasing interaction of the interim government with the illegal armed groups that helped oust former President Aristides this past February. For example, Winter Etienne, who led the armed uprising in Gonaives, has been appointed as the new director of the National Port Authority in Gonaives. At the Ministry of Interior, former Army chief Herard Abraham has integrated former high-level officers from the Haitian Army into his staff, including Williams Regala, once the right-hand man of dictator Henri Namphy and allegedly the principal instigator of a November 1987 massacre of voters. For more, go to www.haitisupport.gn.apc.org.

Resistance to Inter-American Development Bank continues to grow
At the Fourth Mesoamerica Forum in Honduras last fall, a campaign was launched to encourage Latin American organizations to shun involvement with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Less well known than the World Bank and IMF, the IDB's purported goal is to foster economic and social development in Latin America. Two of IDB's biggest projects are the Plan Puebla Panama, a $25 billion industrial megaproject, and the Camisea Gas Project in Peru, almost three quarters of whose extraction operations are to be located inside a state reserve for Indigenous peoples. More than 600 organizations have signed onto a boycott of the IDB, requiring them to fully reject funding from the IDB and to work towards forcing national governments to reject IDB funding and political conditions. For more, go to www.econjustice.org.

US to consider banning toxic pesticide lindane
This month, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will consider a ban of the toxic pesticide lindane. Banned or severely restricted in nearly 40 countries, the continued use of lindane has led to its pervasiveness in the Arctic environment, where it is found more often than any other pesticide. Lindane can cause seizures and damage to the nervous system and weaken the immune system and has been linked to brain tumors in children. Over 60 percent of US residents carry the insecticide in their body. The FDA continues to approve use of this insecticide in shampoos and lotions for control of lice and scabies, making children especially vulnerable to its effects. Canada, the US and Mexico are now drafting a regional action plan for lindane. It is not yet clear what position US federal agencies will take on a proposed ban. Environmental, health and Indigenous groups are urging an immediate ban of all uses of lindane in the region.

August 9, 2004

Conrad N. Hilton seeks nominations for its annual prize
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation is seeking nominations for its 2005 Hilton Humanitarian Prize. The Hilton Humanitarian Prize is the world's largest humanitarian award at $1 million and is presented annually to an organization anywhere in the world doing extraordinary work to alleviate human suffering. The 2005 prize nomination period started on August 1st and will end on November 1st. For more information go to www.hiltonfoundation.org/main.asp?id=38.

UN declares 2005 as International Year of Microcredit
The UN has declared 2005 as the United Nations International Year of Microcredit. Since 1959, the UN has designated "International Years" to draw attention to major global issues and to encourage global action. Meanwhile, debate around the impact of microcredit continues. According to micro-finance consultant Nancy Natilson, in an interview conducted by AWID, "microcredit has had too much attention as a panacea. Perhaps, the expectations were unrealistically high. If anything, focus on it can bring attention back to its limitations and will allow us to see what else is needed, or to see where microcredit has fallen short, why, and what we can do differently." For the complete interview, please email John at john@gwob.net.

Bill introduced in Zimbabwe could cause grave harm to civil society
According to Karla Simon of the International Center for Civil Society Law, a bill has been introduced in Zimbabwe that could have a detrimental effect on the entire non-governmental sector there. If passed into law, the government will be authorized to screen NGOs to see whether they are involved in political governance-related issues, including human rights, and it will allow the government to control their access to foreign funding. Called the Non-governmental Organizations Bill 2004, the proposed legislation targets a wide range of non-profits, including churches. The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Bulawayo has been the most out-spoken critic of Robert Mugabe's government in recent years.

Iran's parliament approves draft of abortion bill
Iran's parliament has recently approved the draft of a bill to legalize abortion in the first four months of pregnancy. According to the bill, an abortion can be performed only when a woman's life is in danger and/or when the fetus is malformed. The consent of both parents will be required. Another parliamentary vote is still required on the draft of the bill, and Iran's conservative Guardian Council also has to approve the bill, as it does all legislation, before it can be made law. Abortion has been illegal on most grounds in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

August 3, 2004

Senate Finance Committee convenes non-profit roundtable
A Senate Finance Committee roundtable was convened on July 22nd to hear feedback from the nonprofit sector on proposed reforms for nonprofit organizations. Kevin Anderson of the Council on Foundation reports that roundtable participants generally supported several suggested reforms, including better funding of the IRS's Exempt Organizations Division, penalties for charities that knowingly participate in tax shelter transactions, and reform of Forms 990 and 990-PF. Less favorable responses were voiced on a proposal to require charities to submit to a review of their tax-exempt status by the IRS every five years and on a proposal that the IRS be funded to initiate an accreditation process. Participants urged the Finance Committee to take the time to carefully review and consider alternatives to many of the proposed reforms. For more, go to www.cof.org/index.cfm?containerid=64.

Idealist.org invites submissions for its first Nonprofit Design Contest
Action Without Borders/Idealist.org is holding its first annual design competition for nonprofit organizations in the categories of Web, print, and multimedia. The competition seeks to promote excellence in design in the nonprofit sector and to reward and acknowledge those designers who take limitations and move beyond them to create works that are functional, aesthetically powerful, and promote the social good. The competition is open to entries from around the world. Go to www.idealist.org/competitions/design.html.

Kerry and Edwards sign on to letter of concern to Colombian president
John Edwards and John Kerry have signed on to a letter to President Uribe of Colombia, expressing concern over human rights abuses in Colombia. Organized by Representatives Chris Dodd and Russ Feingold, the letter specifically addresses the human rights record of the Colombian military and the threats and attacks levied against union members and human rights workers in that country. According to the Colombian newspaper, El Tiempo, this is "a window into the possible future of bilateral relations between the US and Colombia if the Kerry-Edwards ticket makes it to the presidency. Although both have supported the government of Colombia in Senate votes, it is clear that the issue of human rights figures prominently in their agenda."

July 26, 2004

Fellowships offered in reproductive health and rights
The Soros Reproductive Health and Rights Fellowship Program looks at the historic Cairo and Beijing agreements, in 2005 focusing on their economic, social, political and development goals. Fellows will consider how global demographic trends are affecting policy formulation in such areas as gender equity, employment, family support, social welfare, reproductive health, environmental protection and immigration. For more information on the fellowship, go to www.soros.org/initiatives/repro.

Fellowships offered for young people of color interested in community foundation work
The Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society at The City University of New York is offering a US Diversity Fellowship to young scholars and practitioners from communities of color that are under-represented in the US grantmaking sector and who are interested in building Third-Sector capacity in the US. The topic for the 2005 Diversity Fellowship is community foundations. This is part of the Center's Emerging Leaders International Fellows Program. Applications are due September 30th, and information can be found at www.philanthropy.org.

China approves new regulations on foundations
After a long drafting period, China has approved for the first time formal regulations on the registration and management of foundations in China. This new body of regulations applies to both domestic and foreign foundations and may also apply to non-profits working in China, though clarification on the latter is needed. The regulations have been greeted with cautious optimism in China. They are likely to engender the development of indigenous philanthropy, but they may also tie the hands of non-profits involved in advocacy work. For more, go to www.chinadevelopmentbrief.com.

July 20, 2004

Nominations invited for Terrance Keenan Leadership Award in Health Philanthropy
A program of Grantmakers in Health, the Terrance Keenan Leadership Award in Health Philanthropy recognizes grantmakers whose leadership and thoughtful application of philanthropic dollars have had an impact on human health. Nominees' work should demonstrate responsiveness to people in communities, large or small, and particular responsiveness to people in the greatest need. Results may be at the local, state, regional, national, or international level. The award carries a $5,000 honorarium. For more information on the nominating process, go to http://gih.org/calendar_url2665/calendar_url_show.htm?doc_id=227076.

International funders convene to discuss Haiti's future
Multilateral financial institutions and individual governments convene today in Washington, DC for a two-day discussion on the level and the conditions of international aid to Haiti. A coalition of European organizations is already expressing concerns about the convening, noting the absence of any serious consultation with civil society organizations representing the vast majority of Haitians during the drafting of proposals that the Haitian government will take to the conference. Meanwhile, a group of former rebels who helped oust Haiti's president in February have denounced a government plan to disarm them and have threatened to take up their weapons again. For more, go to www.haitisupport.gn.apc.org.

Botswana government may amend its constitution to prevent concessions to Bushmen
A senior Botswana government official stated recently that, if Botswana loses a court case being brought by the Bushmen for the right to return to their land, it would "change the law, or amend the constitution, to get its way." According to Survival International's Director Stephen Corry, "This is extremely disturbing news, with grave overtones for justice throughout all Botswana. What's the point of an independent judiciary if the government simply changes the constitution when it doesn't agree with a judgment? Botswana's image as the 'shining light' of Africa is dimming rapidly." For more, go to http://www.survival-international.org.

Summary report on the Senate Finance Committee hearing of June 22nd
The US Senate Finance Committee met on June 22nd to hear testimony related to a variety of issues of concern to the non-profit sector. A Senate Finance Committee discussion draft, at http://www.finance.senate.gov/ hearings/testimony/2004test/062204stfdis.pdf, served as the primary discussion point for the hearing. According to Kevin Anderson of the Council on Foundations, several important messages came across during the hearing: a commitment by the IRS for better oversight and a generally positive sense of the sector against a backdrop of diminishing public confidence in light of high profile abuse scandals. Among the discussion draft suggestions positively received by witnesses was the need for the IRS to improve the 990 and other forms and to be better resourced, and the need to halt the use of charitable organizations as tax shelters. On the other hand, panelists expressed a variety of concerns about the discussion paper, for example noting that certain proposals would be too burdensome for some small nonprofits. There was little mention of private foundations, though some witnesses supported limitations on trustee compensation and administrative expenses. Abuses by donor-advised funds were cited as examples of how non-profits can be misused for personal gain. Rick Cohen of the National Center for Responsive Philanthropy called for greater disclosure about donor-advised fund grantmaking, including the identity of grantees and whether the grants involved a conflict of interest on the part of the donor/advisors. The IRS confirmed that they would shortly begin audits of about 400 private foundations, one-half of them to be full-scale audits of all possible issues. At the close of the hearing, Chairman Grassley noted that some proposals in the discussion draft might emerge as part of tax legislation later this year.

Fund for Global Human Rights invites proposals from South Asia
The Fund for Global Human Rights serves as an intermediary to facilitate the support of human rights organizations in places where there is great need and where access to funding is minimal. The Fund is currently inviting proposals from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan for activities that contribute to the overall goal of advancing human rights. This includes activities focused on mobilizing popular opinion through human rights skills-building and organizing; exposing abuse through documentation; addressing violations through direct action, policy/legal reform and litigation; networking and coalition building to further the effectiveness of human rights work; and capacity building for organizations engaged in the above work, locally and regionally. The deadline for proposals is July 10th. For more information, go to http://www.hrfunders.org/fghr/index.html.

UN convenes business and labor leaders to encourage corporate responsibility
Last week, some 500 business and labor leaders from around the world met at the UN for the Global Compact Summit, aimed at encouraging companies to take more responsibility for human rights, labor practices and the environment. The UN is asking companies to sign onto ten principles that include respect for international human rights, the elimination of forced labor, child labor and discrimination, and promotion of environmental efforts. The UN Development Fund for Women outlined a set of voluntary guidelines with recommendations such as public disclosure of gender equality policies and ending salary discrimination. Critics of the Compact say that, since there is not mechanism for enforcing compliance, the agreement has no teeth and should be replaced with legally binding measures. Of the 500 participants, fewer than 100 were US companies.

June 28, 2004

Summary report on the Senate Finance Committee hearing of June 22nd
The US Senate Finance Committee met on June 22nd to hear testimony related to a variety of issues of concern to the non-profit sector. A Senate Finance Committee discussion draft, at http://www.finance.senate.gov/ hearings/testimony/2004test/062204stfdis.pdf, served as the primary discussion point for the hearing. According to Kevin Anderson of the Council on Foundations, several important messages came across during the hearing: a commitment by the IRS for better oversight and a generally positive sense of the sector against a backdrop of diminishing public confidence in the light of high profile abuse scandals. Among the discussion draft suggestions positively received by panelists offering testimony was the need for the IRS to improve the 990 and other forms and to be bettered resourced and to halt the use of charitable organizations as tax shelters. On the other hand, panelists expressed a variety of concerns about the discussion paper, noting that certain proposals would be too burdensome for some small nonprofits. There was little mention of private foundations, though some witnesses supported limitations on trustee compensation and administrative expenses. Abuses by donor-advised funds were cited as examples of how non-profits can be abused for personal gain. Rick Cohen of the National Center for Responsive Philanthropy called for greater disclosure about donor-advised fund grantmaking, including the identity of grantees and whether the grants involved a conflict of interest on the part of the donor/advisors. The IRS confirmed that they will shortly begin audits of about 400 private foundations, one-half of them to be full-scale audits of all possible issues. At the close of the hearing, Chairman Grassley noted that some proposals in the discussion draft might emerge as part of tax legislation later this year.

UN convenes business and labor leaders to encourage corporate responsibility
Last week, some 500 business and labor leaders from around the world met at the UN for the Global Compact Summit, aimed at encouraging companies to take more responsibility for human rights, labor practices and the environment and to help fight corruption. The UN is asking companies to sign onto ten principles that include respect for international human rights, the elimination of forced labor, child labor and discrimination, and promotion of environmental efforts. The Maryland-based Calvert Group Ltd., which specializes in socially responsible investing, called on companies to promote women's rights in the workplace and joined the UN Development Fund for Women in outlining a set of voluntary guidelines, with recommendations ranging from public disclosure of gender equality policies and ending salary discrimination. Critics of the Compact say that, since there is not mechanism for enforcing compliance with the principles, the agreement has no teeth and should be replaced with legally binding measures. Fewer than 100 US companies were represented.

June 22, 2004

Senate Finance Committee meets June 22nd on tax-exempt organizations
The US Senate Finance Committee meets the morning of June 22nd to hear testimony related to a variety of issues of concern to the non-profit sector, including foundations. The Committee recently released a "Discussion Draft" laying out proposals for reforms and best practices for tax-exempt organizations. This document can be reviewed at www.finance.senate.gov (under "Hearings"). The National Center for Responsive Philanthropy is among those organizations scheduled to testify. Among their recommendations are to sharply limit or eliminate compensation for foundation trustees, to raise the minimum payout to 6%, to increase disclosure of corporate philanthropic grantmaking, to establish payout requirements for grantmaking donor-advised funds, and to increase the diversity of foundation board and staff. NCRP's statement on these issues can be found at http://www.ncrp.org/Statements/ NCRPAccountabilityStatement061804.pdf.

Haitian civil society expresses concern for Haiti's latest transition
Grassroots International reports that representatives of 31 Haitian civil society groups met recently to analyze the documents that outline the procedure for the Interim Cooperation Framework, which will guide the development of Haiti's transitional government. The groups expressed their alarm that the process assumes continued loss of sovereignty, long-term military occupation and lack of participation by the most vulnerable sectors of society. For more, go to www.grassrootsonline.org.

Free trade zone workers in Haiti come under attack
Factory workers producing garments for Levi Strauss at the Codevi Free Trade Zone in Ouanaminthe, Haiti have come under increased pressure in recent months in their attempts to secure a fair contract. Back in March, 33 union members were attacked and illegally dismissed but were later reinstated following international pressure. A breach of an agreement struck with management led to a one-hour warning strike on June 4th. Management then called in the Dominican Army to expel workers from the free trade zone, while Haitian death squad members have reportedly been circulating in Ouanaminthe. A full-day strike took place on June 7th. Workers agreed to return to work, but when they arrived to do so they found themselves locked out. International solidarity and action are called for. For more, go to www.campaignforlaborrights.org.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute offers $30 Million to biomedical researchers
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has announced a grants program to provide more than $30 million to advance biomedical research internationally. Grants of $50,000 to $100,000 will be awarded in ways that discourage the brain drain out of developing countries and encourage local researchers to stay in their own countries. Forty scientists will receive grants to work on the front lines of the fights against infectious diseases such as malaria and TB, while another 40 will be awarded to scientists in the former Soviet Bloc.

Campaign launched to use Summer Olympics to mobilize against sweatshops
Using the 2004 Summer Olympics as a leverage point, the Clean Clothes Campaign network, Oxfam and Global Unions are organizing the Play Fair at the Olympics Campaign to draw attention to labor abuses at the hands of major sportswear companies. The campaign stresses that the practices of many sportswear companies are in contradiction to principle of "olympism", which "seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles." Campaign organizers believe the International Olympic Committee has the leverage to influence conditions under which sportswear is produced. For more go to www.fairolympics.org.

Utah becomes the headquarters of a new global foundation
Bok Im Hwang, a citizen of South Korea, plans to establish the Hwang Global Foundation in Salt Lake City and has transferred property valued in excess of $1 billion into its accounts there. Hwang's father, Yong Soo Hwang, moved his family to the US during the global political upheaval of the 1930s and '40s. Trustees believe that Utah is an excellent site for an international organization because "unlike many inland states, it has a very international orientation. We saw it during the Olympics, and it is one thing that�makes Utah unique." The focus of the foundation will be international.

Saudi Arabia to merge charities into one account
Saudi Arabia has recently announced that the assets of Saudi charities will be merged into a single account overseen by the new Saudi National Commission for Relief and Charity Works Abroad. According to a Saudi spokesperson, the purpose of this new body is "to ensure that the charity of our citizens goes to those who need it." At the center of the move is the Al Haramain Islamic Foundation, a Riyadh-based charity linked to the financing of terrorist organizations that annually has raised as much as $50 million in Saudi Arabia alone. The shutting down of this organization was a goal of both the Clinton and current Bush Administrations.

Sao Paulo prepares for UNCTAD XI
From June 11th to 18th, Sao Paulo, Brazil will play host to the 11th United Nations Trade and Development Conference (UNCTAD). UNCTAD is an intergovernmental organization of the UN that was formed in the 1960s to deal with questions of trade and development through an integrated process. The organization focuses on three areas: development of analysis, research, and statistics, technical assistance to developing countries, and support in negotiations. Historically, UNCTAD has served as a multilateral forum that supports the formulation of national and international policies that help poor countries towards development. For more on UNCTAD, go to www.unctad.org; http://www.iatp.org/unctadxi/; http://www.twnside.org.sg/unctad.htm; and http://www.igtn.org/Bulletins/Bulletins.html.

May 25, 2004

Third Millennium Foundation offers fellowships in human rights
The Third Millennium Foundation, through a human rights fellowship program, is seeking to develop a cadre of young activists with solid understanding of and commitment to effectiveness in human rights. The fellowship offers in-depth exposure to a broad range of perspectives, situations and experiences related to human rights work. The program involves two different internship/fellowship placements, one in the home country of the fellow and one abroad. Both graduate and undergraduate students may apply. For more information, go to www.seedsoftolerance.org.

Senate passes bill to limit deductions of in-kind donations
By an overwhelming majority, the US Senate recently passed legislation to limit the tax deductions individuals and corporations can take on non-cash contributions. If signed into law, the legislation would require charities to supply receipts to donors showing how much a donated item sold for and would limit the donor's deduction to that amount. In addition to such items as cars, the legislation also places limits on what donors can write off for contributing patents and other "intellectual property". More at http://washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/ articles/A18980-2004May11.html.

May 17th was a landmark day for health and the environment, as POPs Treaty came into force
On May 17th, 2004, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs treaty) comes into force, targeting an entire class of chemical pollutants for global elimination. Phase-out of some 12 pesticides and industrial pollutants are already underway, and new chemicals are expected to be added. The US signed the POPs treaty in 2001, but under the Bush Administration it has not ratified the agreement. Furthermore, environmental and health groups have been critical of Bush Administration proposals for the treaty's implementing legislation, arguing that it will deeply undermine the Convention. Critics argue that Bush Administration proposals would make it extremely difficult to take action to phase out additional POPs chemicals in the future. For more go to http://www.pops.int.

Bushmen in Botswana are arrested for hunting
Three Bushmen, evicted from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana in 2002, were recently arrested and charged with unlawful hunting. The men were hunting near their resettlement center, where they were placed following their eviction from the reserve. Bushmen hunters are increasingly facing harassment, arrest, fines and imprisonment for continuing to pursue their traditional lifeways. 'I feel angry because I am a hunter and I'm not allowed to hunt. I have children but I don't know how to feed them,' said one of the arrested men. In the resettlement centers, the Bushmen are dependent on government rations.

May 18, 2004

Kellogg offers grants to promote communities of color in philanthropy
"Expanding the Boundaries: Leadership in Philanthropy Project," recently announced by the Kellogg Foundation, is designed to stimulate nonprofit work that integrates communities of color into philanthropy. Grants will go to organizations seeking to enhance the work of emerging leaders and donors of color and that are promoting the creation and sharing of knowledge that supports these leaders and donors. Grants in several different categories will range from $50,000 to $1,000,000. For more information, go to http://www.wkkf.org/Programming/ NewsItem.aspx?CID=2&ID=425.

North Korea bill before US congress offers few positive steps, one observer finds
According to one Korea observer, the North Korea Freedom Bill, introduced in the US congress last November, offers little in the way of practical support to the North Korean people. Ostensibly designed to promote human rights, the legislation will allow North Koreans the right to 'humanitarian parole' status, encourage adoption of North Korean orphans by US families, and promote the clandestine distribution of radios into North Korea for the airing of US broadcasts. While focusing on human rights, the observer notes, the bill does nothing to calm the heightened state of confrontation nor to propose concrete measures for transformation. This observer finds the bill "further evidence of US policymakers' apparent inability to analyze the historical, cultural, and political foundations of human rights violations in North Korea with a view to making informed recommendations for reform that might be achievable." For more, go to http://www.nautilus.org/DPRKBriefingBook/ humanitarian/Hazel.pdf.

Genetically engineered crops use more pesticides, study finds
A recent study of pesticide use on genetically engineered (GE) crops in the US found that these GE varieties have caused 50 million additional pounds of pesticides to be used in US agriculture. The study found that during their first three years of commercial sales, GE crops appear to have reduced pesticide use by about 25.4 million pounds. But in the last three years, over 73 million more pounds of pesticides were applied on GE acres. Substantial increases in herbicide use on herbicide tolerant crops accounted for the increase. The report finds that many farmers need to spray incrementally more herbicides on GE acres in order to keep up with shifts in weeds toward tougher-to-control species, coupled with the emergence of genetic resistance in certain weed populations. For more, go to http://www.biotech-info.net/technicalpaper6.html.

Fellowships offered for young non-profit scholar-practitioners
The Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society has announced a call for applications to its Emerging Leaders International Fellows Program, which provides leadership training for young scholar-practitioners interested in building third-sector capacity in the US and overseas. Fellows will be selected from abroad and from communities of color under-represented in the US grantmaking sector. Fellows are based at the City University of New York, where they design and pursue an individualized research project and participate in a three-month seminar with third-sector leaders. For more, go to http://philanthropy.org/programs/ifp/application.html.

US foundations commit $10 Million to commemorate progress in South Africa
Five US foundations-Ford, Kellogg, Mott, Rockefeller Brothers and Carnegie Corporation-have recently announced the creation of a $10 million grantmaking fund commemorating the 10th anniversary of South Africa's democracy and its impact on the social and economic development of southern Africa. Grants from this special fund will seek to address the spread of HIV/AIDS, strengthen the role of NGOs in South Africa's democracy, and help close the economic gap, among other initiatives. For more, go to http://www.fordfound.org/news/ view_news_detail.cfm?news_index=142.

Boston Globe reports on high-end international travel by foundation trustees
The Boston Globe, in one of an ongoing series of articles exploring foundation practices, ran a report in April on travel costs at several large US foundations doing international work, finding numerous instances of high-end international travel by trustees. A 10-day site visit in southern Africa by trustees of Kellogg, for example, included stays in luxury hotels and transportation by private jet. MacArthur, Ford and Rockefeller flew trustees first or business class and also funded spouses to go along. Officials of the foundations defended the travel costs, while critics of the practice claim that the foundations are underwriting travel costs and perks that many corporations now forbid their executives. At http://boston.com/news/nation/articles/2004/04/18/ trustees_traveling_in_style.

Case studies available: "Effective Strategies in Confronting Transnational Corporations"
Presents case studies that demonstrate successful strategies to oppose the neoliberal agenda in Asia and the Pacific. At http://www.aprnet.org/.

HIV/AIDS and TB in Central Asia: Country Profiles
Presents the World Bank's HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, arguing that though the countries of Central Asia are still at the earliest stages of an HIV/AIDS epidemic, there is cause for serious concern. Go to http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC14538.

"The Destructive Agrarian Reform Policies of the World Bank"
Examines the effects of World Bank land reform policies on farmers in several developing countries and provides an overview of various social movements responding to World Bank programs. Available at http://www.social.org.br/.

Investigation finds that hundreds of girls are trafficked in Guatemala
In a recent investigation, Casa Alianza Guatemala found that at least 688 girls from Central America are victims of commercial sexual exploitation in 284 different establishments in Guatemala. Investigators believe the number is likely much higher, but the clandestine nature of the operation prevents an accurate count of trafficked girls, many of whom are 13 to 17 years old. One Salvadoran girl's story is typical: When she was 14, traffickers brought her to Guatemala with the promise of a cafeteria job. When she resisted prostituting herself, they locked her up in a room for three days without food. Casa Alianza hopes the investigation will prompt Guatemalan judicial authorities to intervene in the defense of victims of commercial sexual exploitation. For more information, go to www.casa-alianza.org.

Briefing Paper Available: "US Leadership Needed to Finish the Child Survival Agenda"
This briefing paper calls on the US to increase funding for child health, maternal health and voluntary family planning in developing countries, in order to fulfill its international pledges to improve child survival. At http://www.eldis.org/cf/rdr/rdr.cfm?doc=DOC14760.

Website on Human Rights and the Environment
This website, offered by the Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs, offers a variety of articles making the connection between human rights and the environment. At http://www.carnegiecouncil.org/viewMedia.php/prmID/4437.

May 5, 2004

Report-back on meeting with the US Treasury Department
On April 28th, 2004, the US Treasury Department convened a half-day meeting with representatives from the US charitable sector regarding terrorist financing issues in the not-for-profit sector. John Harvey participated on behalf of Grantmakers Without Borders. Among the highlights of the meeting:

**US Treasury Secretary John Snow assured the group that he and the Treasury Department are "100 percent behind" the mission of international non-profits, but claimed that there have been "too many instances" where non-profits have been used to advance "blood money".

** Secretary Snow and other Treasury Department representatives assured participants that the Treasury Guidelines are indeed voluntary. It was noted that Treasury does not propose that every action noted in the guidelines need be taken and that the document is a "self-help guide". As such, the guidelines are not static and "can and should be revised". It was affirmed that "the guidelines have no legal weight."

** On specific details of Executive Order 13224 and which names need to be checked against the OFAC list, it was stated that it is those individuals with a "control point", those who have some degree of financial control and/or access to funds.

** This meeting was a first step towards formally launching a dialogue with the charitable community. Sub-groups are to be set up to revisit the Treasury Guidelines and to assist in the identification of "red flags" that might suggest suspect activities within the non-profit sector.

NetAid announces awards program to honor young US people fighting global poverty
NetAid, a nonprofit that works to mobilize people in developed countries to end extreme poverty, is inviting applications for its new "Global Action Awards" competition, which honors young US people, ages 14 to 18, who have made significant contributions to the fight against global poverty. Awardees will receive a $5,000 prize to be applied to their higher education or to a charitable cause of their choice. The deadline for application is June 30th. For more information go to http://netaid.org/youth/awards/global_action/.

National Network of Grantmakers invites workshop proposals for its 2004 fall conference
The National Network of Grantmakers is seeking proposals for workshops at its 2004 Fall Conference, DEMOCRACY BOUND: Moving a Contract for Social Justice. The deadline for proposals is May 7th. For more information on the Call for Sessions, go to www.nng.org.

New study shows that the affluent donate a lower percentage of their wealth
A recent report from the NewTithing Group found that if affluent US people had donated as high a percentage of their asset wealth to charity as did lower wealth groups, total individual giving would have been 23 percent higher, or roughly $41.6 billion in additional gifts. The report found the most pronounced difference in giving between filers with adjusted gross incomes in the $75,000 to $100,000 range, who donated 0.96 percent of their investment asset wealth to charity, and their counterparts in the $200,000 to $500,000 range, who donated just 0.46 percent. Available at http://newtithing.org/frames/richpoorgenerosity.html.

Pennsylvania governor bans state contracts with sweatshop firms
Governor Edward G. Rendell of Pennsylvania has signed an executive order banning agencies under his control from contracting with companies that employ sweatshop labor to make or launder apparel. The US Department of Labor estimates that more than half the US's 22,000 sewing shops violate minimum wage and overtime laws, and surveys show that 75 percent of US garment shops violate safety and health laws. Declared the governor during the signing of the order, "There is no justifiable reason why the government should purchase goods from any company that violates our wage and workplace safety laws, and as of today, we will no longer do apparel or laundry business with such firms." The Governor worked with the AFL-CIO and UNITE, the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Workers, to draft the order.

Foundations are encouraged to remember the environment during proxy season
The shareholder proxy season is here, presenting an opportunity for foundations to use their investment portfolios to encourage greater corporate disclosure and accountability on the issue of global warming. Companies that include global warming-related resolutions proceeding to a vote this spring include Anadarko Petroleum, Apache Corporation, ChevronTexaco, ExxonMobil, Marathon Oil, Petro Canada, Unocal, Valero Energy, Ford, General Motors, and Louisiana Pacific. Full texts of these resolutions can be found at www.incr.com. Foundations are encouraged to review shareholder resolutions on global warming, check their investment portfolio to see if it holds any of these stocks, and vote their proxies in support of these resolutions. For more information, email fox@ceres.org.

Conservative foundations granted more than $250 million in 3-year period
The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) has issued a new report on the grantmaking of politically conservative foundations. "Axis of Ideology: Conservative Foundations and Public Policy" looks at 79 conservative foundations and their grantmaking between 1999 and 2001. According to the report, conservative foundations are extremely focused in their grantmaking, concentrating on sustaining a small group of grantees with long-term core operating grants. These foundations are aggressive in making grants to nonprofits that will actively lobby lawmakers, challenge laws and regulations in the courts, and broadcast conservative ideas. Notes NCRP executive director Rick Cohen, "If you add corporate charitable grantmaking to the grants of these conservative foundations, you have an extraordinarily powerful and little understood financial infrastructure undergirding the right wing political dominance that currently exists in the White House, Congress, the Supreme Court, and many state legislatures." Available at www.ncrp.org.

Article by Gw/oB Member Betsy Brill on Global Giving
"A World of Philanthropic Opportunity: A Global Perspective on Giving"
Authored by Gw/oB member Betsy Brill, this article makes a compelling case for philanthropists to go global and advises donors on key tax-related issues. Available at http://www.stratphilanthropy.com.

A Look at the Lives of Girls Fighting in Africa
"Where are the Girls: Girls in Fighting Forces in Uganda, Sierra Leone and Mozambique" describes the militarization of the lives of girls in fighting forces and the role they play in conflict. Available at http://www.ichrdd.ca/ frame2.iphtml?langue=0&menu=m01&urlpage=/ english/commdo c/prelease/girlslaunch.html.

Handbook on Sustianable Peace: "Rethink: A Handbook for Sustainable Peace"
This handbook offers suggestions on how to make international contributions in conflict-affected communities more gender-equal. At http://www.iktk.se/english/ publications/thematic_reports/thematic_reports.html.

For a laugh: "CAFTA: The Trojan Calf"
A two-minute movie that makes the case in a humorous way that the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) is a vehicle for American corporations to take over new markets. At http://www.quixote.org/calf.

April 15, 2004

Scholarships offered for women peacemakers to tell their stories
The Women PeaceMakers Program at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice in San Diego, CA is an opportunity for peace leaders to document, share, and build upon their peacemaking stories. Four women will participate in an eight-week residency, gaining assistance in documenting their work and exploring peace building with other women. Women from anywhere in the world who have assumed a leadership role in peace and conflict resolution with an emphasis in human rights are invited to apply. Assistant writers and a film assistant will help each peacemaker document her peacemaking experience. For more information, go to http://peace.sandiego.edu..

Nominations sought to honor achievement in the promotion of human rights
The John Humphrey Freedom Award is an annual award offered by Canada's Rights & Democracy to an organization or individual for exceptional achievement in the promotion of human rights and democratic development. The Award consists of a grant of $25,000 as well as a speaking tour of Canadian cities to help increase awareness of the recipient's human rights work. The award is named in honor of the Canadian human rights law professor who prepared the first draft of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For more information go to http://www.ichrdd.ca/frame2.iphtml? langue=3D0&menu=3Dm05&urlpage= 3Denglish/about/brochureHumphrey2001.html.

World's first fair trade sneaker hits stores on May 1st
No Sweat Apparel, a pioneer fair trade fashion brand, will release the world's first fair trade sneaker on May 1st, International Workers Day. Each shoebox will contain a fact sheet that tells consumers exactly what wages and benefits the union workers who produced the sneakers get paid. The sneaker is produced at a union shop in Indonesia, where workers receive wages 30 percent above minimum wage, health care for employees and family members, and a pension, among other benefits. At $35 a pair, the sneaker comes at a fair price to the consumer. "We hope every sneaker company in the world will imitate this innovation," says No Sweat Founder and CEO Adam Neiman. "In fact, we dare them to." For more, go to www.nosweatsneakers.com.

New Report Offers Information on How Foundations Can Exercise Their Fiduciary Responsibilities Relative to Proxy Voting.
"Unlocking the Power of the Proxy: How Active Foundation Proxy Voting Can Protect Endowments and Boost Philanthropic Missions" Produced by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors and As You Sow Foundation. Conrad MacKerron, principal author, states that, "Conscious proxy voting sends a much-needed message to companies that shareholders are watching and expect honest, responsive management. We hope this guide will help more foundations develop proxy voting policies so they can take informed proxy actions." Available at www.rockpa.org and www.asyousow.org.

New Study on Understanding Rights-Based Approaches to International Development
This report discusses how international development agencies are increasingly using rights-based language. Have they appropriated the language without changing their underlying beliefs, and what are the full implications of putting a rights-based approach into practice? At http://www.ids.ac.uk/ids/bookshop/briefs/Pb17.pdf.

Grassroots Action Learning Paper Available
This paper discusses a process "by which people can be facilitated to continuously collect the information they themselves need, in ways useful to them as the basis for truly participatory development and strengthening of civil society." At http://www.enterprise-impact.org.uk/ informationresources/toolbox/ grassrootsactionlearning.shtml.

Gw/oB Member Chet Tchozewski Receives Prestigious Grantmaking Award
Gw/oB is very pleased to announce that Chet Tchozewski, founder and Executive Director of Global Greengrants Fund-and one of Gw/oB's founding members-is being honored this year with the 2004 Council on Foundations Robert W. Scrivner Award for Creative Grantmaking. The award honors grantmakers who possess a combination of vision, principle and personal commitment to making a difference in a creative way through grantmaking. In its announcement, CoF noted that Chet helped pioneer strategies for simple and effective grantmaking that supports the growth of civil society in developing economies and emerging democracies. Gw/oB is particularly pleased that a grantmaker known for his undaunted commitment to social change philanthropy is being honored by the Council on Foundations. Congratulations, Chet! We always knew you were fabulous!

Foundation giving declined in 2003 but is expected in increase in 2004
A new report by the Foundation Center found that giving in 2003 by the 65,000 US grantmaking foundations declined by 2.5 percent last year, from US$30 billion in 2002 to US$29.7 billion in 2003. The decline is attributed to a "disappointing" stock market and a sluggish economy, but is much less severe than the 10.5 percent decline in giving from 2000 to 2002. Grantmaking by newly established foundations, a high level of new gifts to foundations, and improved portfolio performance for some funders mitigated the downturn in overall giving. Giving is expected to pick up again this year. More at http://fdncenter.org/research/trends_analysis/pdf/fgge04.pdf.

Study Available on Climate Change: "Feeling the Heat: Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss"
Using projections of species distribution for future climate scenarios, the report predicts that, on the basis of mid-range climate-warming scenarios for 2050, 15 to 37 percent of animal and plant species will be committed to extinction. Available at http://www.nature.com/nature/links/040108/040108-1.html.

Bretton Woods Project Produces Report on World Bank and Civil Society
"Inside the Institutions: The World Bank and Civil Society", produced by the Bretton Woods Project, argues that, although the Bank officially claims that it engages with civil society organizations to be more effective in its operations, unofficially it has no choice but to seek endorsement from increasingly powerful civil society actors to boost the legitimacy of its lending activities. At http://www.brettonwoodsproject.org/ article.shtml? cmd%5b126%5d=x- 126-27513.

Trade and Poverty Alleviation: Recent Report Available
"Trade and Labor Standards: A Strategy for Developing Countries", argues that recent developments present a new strategic opportunity for developing countries to link trade with domestic policies that promote poverty alleviation, more equitable income distribution, and better working conditions. The paper claims that this linkage can generate greater market access for developing countries and at the same time disseminate the "benefits" of trade liberalization more broadly to their citizens, "creating a true win-win outcome". At http://www.ceip.org/files/pdf/Polaski_Trade_English.pdf.

March 15, 2004

Seattle's World Venture Partners enjoys its first successful year
World Venture Partners (WVP), launched in January 2003, is an international funding group working to inspire international philanthropy and increase awareness of international issues in Seattle. In its first year, WVP offered educational and travel opportunities and a process for members to be more effective grantmakers through hands-on involvement. Members chose water as their grantmaking theme for the year, ending 2003 having distributed close to $25,000 to water projects in Central America. For more information or to become involved, send an email to info@worldventurepartners.org.

New Apollo Project for the environment and jobs picks up steam
The ten-year, US$300 billion New Apollo Project is becoming a much talked-about and increasingly supported clean energy jobs plan. A recent report by a corporate economist showed that a national Apollo investment would pay for itself, create 3.3 million jobs, and produce US$1 trillion of private economic activity. Seventeen major labor unions have endorsed the Apollo framework, as have a broad range of politically diverse environmental groups. All major presidential candidates except Bush have issued statements of support. For more information, go to www.apolloalliance.org/apollo_in_the_news.

World of Children to honor outstanding child advocacy work
International nominations are now being sought for the annual Hannah Neil World of Children Awards. Three different awards honor outstanding children's advocates. A $100,000 award recognizes those who have made a significant lifetime contribution to children's futures by significantly improving their opportunities to learn and grow. A second $100,000 award recognizes an individual who has made a significant lifetime contribution to the health and well-being of children. A third award is a $15,000 scholarship recognizing a person under the age of 21 who is making extraordinary contributions to the betterment of children's lives. For more information, go to www.WorldofChildren.org.

Fund for Global Human Rights announces request for proposals
The Fund for Global Human Rights is now seeking proposals for activities that contribute to the overall goal of advancing human rights. This includes activities that mobilize popular opinion through human rights skills-building and organizing; exposing abuse through documentation; addressing violations through direct action, policy/legal reform and litigation; networking and coalition building to further the effectiveness of human rights work; and capacity building for organizations engaged in the above work, locally and regionally. The Fund's first grant cycle in 2004 will consider proposals from Guatemala, Mexico, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. Grants will range from $5000 to $30,000. For more information, send an email to info@globalhumanrights.org.

Multinationals sue Nicaraguan banana workers to the tune of $17 billion
It is estimated that over 20,000 Nicaraguans have been afflicted with diseases, including sterility, stemming from the use of Nemagon, a pesticide banned in the US 30 years ago but still employed in some global Southern countries. In 2002, a Nicaraguan court ruled in favor of 20,000 Nicaraguans who demanded compensation from Dole, Dow and Shell. Now, these multinationals are counter-suing the farmworkers, claiming fraud in the original lawsuit and seeking $17 billion in damages. Thousands of Nemagon victims are now marching on Managua in protest, and international support for their cause is being sought. For more information, go to www.globalresponse.org.

Fellowships announced for young HIV/AIDS or malaria researchers
The International African Students Association and the African Regional Youth Initiative have recently announced a fellowship program for young Africans in Africa to conduct social and behavioral research on HIV/AIDS or malaria in their local communities. Researchers will receive financial assistance and be paired with individuals and/or institutions working in the research community to provide mentorship and advice on the design and implementation of the proposed research. For more information, send an email to iasa_aryi@yahoo.com.

Issue of impunity is key to Haiti's future
"In Haiti everything is priority, but our number one priority is putting an end to impunity," says Pierre Esperance, Treasurer of POHDH and director of the National Coalition for Haitian Rights (NCHR). Mr. Esperance shared his thoughts on the current juncture in Haiti on a recent Gw/oB member learning call. Mr. Esperance spoke about the urgent need for continued monitoring of human rights abuses; legal, medical, and technical assistance for victims of abuse and internally displaced persons; and, critically, an end to impunity and a re-vitalization of Haiti's police and judicial systems. For more information, go to www.grassrootsonline.org/weblog/gwob.html.

CoF seeks nominations for its International Committee
The Council on Foundations is now seeking nominations for new members to its International Committee. Sought are individuals who are committed to assisting CoF in building and extending the field of international philanthropy and increasing its effectiveness. For more information, send an email to Rob Buchanan.

SPIN Project and allies offer media training for activists of color
The SPIN Project and the Tides Foundation, with support from the Ford Foundation, are now accepting applications for media and communications training and technical assistance for activists of color working in economic justice organizations. The training will take place May 13th to 16th. For more information, send an email to info@spinproject.org.

New US Indigenous women's health book is flying off the shelves
"Indigenous Women's Health Book: Within the Sacred Circle", written and edited by indigenous women, is causing the same kind of splash that "Our Bodies, Ourselves" did in mainstream US culture several decades ago. The book, offering comprehensive guidance for US Indigenous women on everything from contraception to domestic violence to traditional herbal remedies, is about to go into its second printing. US Indigenous women today are often overlooked in health care outreach programs, while historically, treatment has been egregious: During the "Save the Babies" campaign of 1912-1918, US federal agents took Indigenous children from their homes, judging impoverished women unfit for motherhood, while between 25 and 50 percent of Native American women are believed to have been sterilized between 1970 and 1976. The book's editors hope the book not only improves women's health but also helps to build health advocacy skills among US Indigenous women. For more information, go to www.nativeshop.org.

Morocco adopts landmark Family Law advancing women's equality
On January 25, 2004, the government of Morocco adopted a new landmark Family Law supporting women's equality and granting them new rights in marriage and divorce, among other rights. The continued advocacy and public awareness-raising among women's rights activists has played a key role in this campaign, resulting in an October 2003 declaration by Morocco's King Mohammed VI calling for a modern Family Law consistent with the tolerant spirit of Islam and "lifting the iniquity imposed on women". For more information, go to www.learningpartnership.org/events/newsalerts/morocco0204.phtml#adfmdoc.

MADRE reports that conditions for Iraqi women are worsening
After a year of "liberation" by the US military, MADRE reports that most Iraqi women are worse off in many key aspects of human security: water and food security, the rights to health care and political participation, and economic security. Ongoing violence has curtailed all aspects of women's lives, while most of Iraq experiences power outages averaging 16 hours a day. As those primarily responsible for meeting the basic needs of the population, Iraqi women have been forced to intensify their work hauling water, preparing food and caring for children traumatized by bombing, disease and malnutrition. At the same time, women have largely been excluded from political decision-making. In this context, Iraqi women are speaking out with demands for human rights and human security. For more information, go to www.madre.org/art_nl_1_2004.html.

Take action today to support an Iraqi activist who has received death threats
Ms. Yanar Mohammed, founder of the Organization for Women's Freedom in Iraq, is one of numerous Iraqi women who has spoken forcefully against the US-appointed Iraqi Governing Council's Resolution 137, which seeks to impose arbitrary interpretations of Islamic law on Iraq and strip Iraqi women of basic human rights. Shortly after initiating a campaign for the repeal of the Resolution, Ms. Mohammed received an email to her personal account, with the title: "Killing Yanar Mohammed Within a Few Days." The message demanded that she stop her activism on behalf of women's rights, described by the authors as "psychologically disturbed ideas about women's freedom." The group, Army of Sahaba, has threatened to kill her if she persists. MADRE is calling for international support to help protect Ms. Mohammed. For more information, go to www.madre.org/art_iraq_yanar.html.

Low-cost Spanish/English translation is now available
"Palabras en Movimiento/Words in Movement" is a new project of the Authentic Labor Front (The FAT), one of Mexico's most important labor confederations, in collaboration with Jobs for Justice. Words in Movement will offer professional, high-quality Spanish/English translation at low cost. Translators have broad knowledge of Spanish grammar, syntax and spelling, in union, social justice, social science, and technical vocabulary. The FAT will earn income from this project to support many work areas, including building union democracy, new organizing in transnational factories, and women worker organizing. For more information, email guarro2k@yahoo.com.mx.

Women make gains through new Afghan constitution, but more remains to be achieved
The recently drafted Afghan constitution explicitly recognizes the equal rights of men and women, stating that "The citizens of Afghanistan - whether man or woman - have equal rights and duties before the law". At the same time, there is concern with language such as "in Afghanistan, no law can be contrary to the beliefs and provisions of the sacred religion of Islam," which could make women's rights vulnerable to extremist interpretations of Islam. For more information, go to www.hrw.org/english/docs/2004/01/07/afghan6914_txt.htm.

New study finds that dumping by US food companies continues to hurt global South
A new report from the Institute for Trade and Agriculture Policy (IATP) reveals that US-based multinational food companies are continuing to dump five major export commodities onto world markets. "Dumping" refers to the exporting of commodities at prices below their cost of production and is one of the most crippling forces for global South farmers. The report notes that the US is one of the world's largest sources of dumped agricultural commodities. For more information, go to www.iatp.org.

Wealthy US people could donate much more, finds the NewTithing Group
A recent study by the NewTithing Group found that the 400 wealthiest US people made roughly seven percent of all charitable donations reported to the IRS in 2000. The study also found that, for donors with adjusted gross incomes of $100,000 or more, giving increased 64 percent between 1997 and 2003. The report argues that the 400 wealthiest US people could have easily donated an additional $19 billion during the same period without making any lifestyle changes. For more information, go to www.newtithing.org/content/titles/content/whatsnew.html.

Controversial School of the Americas remains a hot news item
Venezuelan President Hugo Ch�vez announced recently that he is reconsidering sending soldiers to the School of the Americas (SOA), stating that "This school deformed the minds of many Latin American soldiers, who from there went on to become dictators." (More at www.soaw.org/new/pressrelease.php?id=63). Meanwhile, SOA is becoming something of a campaign issues for US Democratic presidential candidates: Wesley Clark is facing criticism of his connection to the SOA and his continued support of the school. Dennis Kucinich has repeatedly stated that he would close the school if elected. John Kerry was a co-sponsor of Senate bills to close the SOA, while Joe Lieberman was not. For more information, go to www.soaw.org/new/article.php?id=721.

Citigroup adopts comprehensive environmental policy
Following a four-year campaign spearheaded by Rainforest Action Network, Citigroup, the world's largest bank, has adopted a comprehensive environmental policy that sets a new standard for the financial services industry. Citigroup will deny funding for logging operations in tropical rainforests and place restrictions on investment in extractive industry operations in endangered ecosystems. It will also adopt prohibitions against investment in illegal logging and will take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its clients and to increase investment in renewable energy projects. For more information, go to www.globalresponse.org/gra_index/gra0402.html.

JANUARY 19, 2004

Global community gathers in India for the annual World Social Forum
Social movements, progressive thought leaders and many others from around the globe gathered in Mumbai, India today for the annual World Social Forum. Convened for the first time outside its birthplace of Porto Alegre, Brazil, the Forum is a space for dialogue, debate and exchange in the search for a just, sustainable and equitable world in opposition to the destructive nature of corporate-led globalization, militarization, and imperialism. More than 100,000 people are expected, including a delegation of funders led by the Funders Network on Trade and Globalization. The Forum will run through the week of January 19th.

Funding available for coral reef conservation projects
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is accepting proposals for projects that build public-private partnerships to reduce and prevent degradation of coral reefs and associated habitats. Two focus areas are currently targeted: watershed approaches to reducing land-based pollution and sedimentation, and management effectiveness of coral reef-protected areas. The deadline for applications is January 31st. Go to http://www.nfwf.org/programs/coralreef.htm.

Remittances are expected to surpass foreign direct investment in Latin America
According to a study of the Inter-American Development Bank, total remittances are due to surpass foreign direct investment as a source of capital for Latin America and the Caribbean: Remittances to the region during the next decade are expected to reach more than $450 billion. Wire transfer companies remain the most common means of dispatching remittances: 70 percent of senders use such firms, while 11 percent use banks, and 17 percent use informal means such as hand delivery or the mail. Remittance flows have been unaffected by the recent US economic downturn. The majority of remittance recipients are women. Remittances play an important economic role in large numbers of working-class families. Found at http://www.iadb.org/NEWS/Display/PRView.cfm?PR_Num=233_03&Language=English

JANUARY 5, 2004

US philanthropy witnessed a number of important developments in 2003. Among the highlights:

The US Treasury Department's voluntary guidelines, whose stated purpose is to prevent the diversion of charitable donations to terrorist groups, alarmed many international grantmakers and sent a chill through community. Though voluntary, some organizations have been reluctant to flout the guidelines. Grantmakers Without Borders and others responded. Go to www.gwob.net.
Proposed legislation to limit foundation payout only to grants met with huge opposition from the foundation community, though the National Center for Responsive Philanthropy and others supported the measure. This issue was just one of many tied to the CARE act, currently stalled in the Senate. Go to http://www.independentsector.org/programs/gr/CAREAct2003.html.
Accountability was a hot topic, often stirred by negative media coverage of the foundation community. New York's Attorney General called for a banning of foundations with assets of less than US$20 million. Reports in the Boston Globe, Washington Post and elsewhere called into question compensation practices at several foundations. Rightwing groups launched an attack on the non-profit sector itself, claiming that "the extraordinary growth of advocacy NGOs in liberal democracies has the potential to undermine the sovereignty of constitutional democracies." Go to http://fdncenter.org/pnd/specialissues/content.jhtml?id=55300035 and http://www.ipsnews.net/interna.asp?idnews=18733.
The valuation of in-kind donations came under increased scrutiny after a GAO report found wide discrepancies between the value claimed by donors of vehicles and the amount actually received by beneficiaries. Reforms are expected. Go to http://fdncenter.org/pnd/specialissues/content.jhtml?id=55300044.
In keeping with the past, a majority of big gifts in 2003 went to higher education: $100 million to the University of California at San Diego, $50 million to Arizona State University, and $70 million to the University of Virginia, among many others. National Public Radio received a $200 million grant from the wife of the founder of McDonalds. Microsoft Co-Founder Paul Allen gave $100 million to establish a research center that will map the brain of the mouse. Big gifts of an international nature went to Notre Dame's Institute for International Peace Studies ($50 million), the University of San Diego's Institute for Peace and Justice ($50 million), CARE ($28 million), and the Nature Conservancy ($28 million). Go to http://fdncenter.org/pnd/specialissues/content.jhtml?id=55300042.

Coalition Against Biopiracy invites nominees for the Worst Pirates in 2004
The 2004 Captain Hook Award, for Outstanding Achievements in Biopiracy, will go to the most outrageous biopiracy cases globally. Sponsored by the Coalition Against Biopiracy, the Awards will go to pirates ripping off indigenous knowledge, monopolizing genes, patenting plants, trademarking patron saints, etc. Also to be awarded will be institutions, peoples' organizations and governments that have fended off acts of biopiracy, defeated predatory patents or defended the intellectual integrity of farmers and indigenous peoples. The deadline for nominees is January 21st. For more information, go to www.captainhookawards.org.

King Baudouin Foundation invites nominations for International Development Prize
Belgium's King Baudouin Foundation awards a biennial prize of Euro 150,000 to an individual or institution that has contributed to sustainable improvements in the lives of people in the developing world. Previous winners have worked in the fields of AIDS, human rights, land reform, and fair trade. The Foundation invites nominees for the 2004-2005 prize. The deadline for nominations is February 1st. For more information, go to www.kbprize.org.

Indigenous Honduran activists face lengthy and unjust prison sentence
Indigenous activists from Montana Verde, Honduras, who are leaders in the struggle for the right to land, have been found guilty of murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison, despite a lack of evidence. The defense presents an appeal today, as the Civic Council of Indigenous and Popular Organizations (COPINH) holds a demonstration outside the courthouse. COPINH is calling for international solidarity and financial support for the prisoners, their families and their defense. For more information, go to www.rightsaction.org.

DECEMBER 15, 2003

Nominations sought to honor work in international health and human rights
The Jonathan Mann Award in international health and human rights is presented annually to a leading practitioner in health and human rights, either an individual or an institution. Nominations may be submitted by anyone from any country. Among the award's criteria are relevance to the linkage of health with human rights and evidence that activities take place predominately in developing countries and with marginalized people. Individuals and organizations working at the grassroots level are given the same attention and opportunities as those operating at the national or international level. The deadline for nominations is February 3rd, 2004. For more information go to www.globalhealth.org/view_top.php3?id=238.

RFP announced for grants to preserve endangered languages
The UK-based Foundation for Endangered Languages is now accepting proposals for projects that support, enable or assist the documentation, protection or promotion of endangered languages. The deadline for application is January 18th, 2004. For more information go to www.ogmios.org.

Confidence in US nonprofits slightly up, but still below pre-9/11 levels
According to a new survey conducted by New York University and the Brookings Institute, US public confidence in nonprofit organizations has risen recently, but it remains below where it was before September 11th, 2001. Eighteen percent of respondents said they had a "great deal" of confidence in charities, up from the 12 percent claiming such confidence in August. Both figures are well below the results of an Independent Sector survey conducted two months before September 11th, 2001, which found that 25 percent of respondents had "a lot" of confidence in nonprofits. The drop in public confidence has been attributed to negative media coverage of the non-profit sector since 9/11.

IRS oversight of foundations lags their growth, reports NY Times
The US foundation sector has expanded rapidly over the last decade: According to the Foundation Center, between 1992 and 2002 the number of private foundations nearly doubled, while their inflation-adjusted assets increased from $177 billion to $477 billion. The non-profit sector as a whole has also seen enormous growth. However, the Internal Revenue Service division that oversees tax-exempt organizations has seen its payroll shrink from 960 employees to about 800 workers, even as the number of applications for tax-exempt status has increased from about 60,000 a year to more than 90,000. These 800 people are now responsible for monitoring more than 900,000 charities and 690,000 other tax-exempt groups. For more information go to www.fdncenter.org/pnd/news/story.jhtml?id=50500004.

US retraction of steel tariffs shows power of WTO over US policy, trade expert notes
According to Lori Wallach, Director of Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch, the recent announcement of the Bush Administration that protections of the US steel industry would be dropped are a clear indication that the World Trade Organization (WTO) enjoys unprecedented global control, even over the most powerful country on earth. According to Wallach, US trade laws have been challenged at the WTO eleven times, and the US has lost all but two cases. "Today's rollback of the steel safeguards - in addition to �the WTO's orders against the Foreign Sales Corporation tax program, the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act and other US policies - should be a wake-up call to Congress about the WTO's erosion of democratic decision-making," writes Wallach.

DECEMBER 8, 2004

In published op-ed, Gw/oB member has harsh words on Treasury's voluntary guidelines
Gw/oB member Grassroots International, in an op-ed piece recently published by the Boston Globe, calls into question the logic of recent Bush Administration rhetoric and policies regarding the role of foundations in aiding terrorists. Citing the downturn in funding for civil society groups in Palestine and elsewhere, Grassroots International notes that Treasury's voluntary guidelines have sent a chill among donors funding areas where they may be accused of supporting terrorists. "It would be cruel irony, indeed, if a government that purports to spread democracy and freedom throughout the Middle East ends up cutting off the oxygen to the courageous few who provide the real democratic alternatives in Palestine," the article writes. For more on post-9/11 grantmaking issues, visit Gw/oB's website, at www.gwob.net. For the complete op-ed piece, go to www.boston.com/news/globe /editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2003/11 /30/administration_is_undermining_democracy/.

Funders group for universal education has successful launch
The Funders Group for Universal Basic and Secondary Education (FGUBASE) recently had a successful first meeting as part of the Grantmakers for Education annual conference. At this inaugural session, participants discussed universal basic and secondary education and how funders might contribute in this area. Ideas for how FGUBASE may be useful in the future include a day of learning on universal basic education and creating a clearinghouse for information on projects and networks in different locations worldwide. A listserv has been set up for funders interested in the issue. To sign up or to learn more about FGUBASE, write to fgubase@hewlett.org.

New big philanthropists lean towards "giving while living," Business Week reports
According to Business Week in their annual ranking of the fifty most generous philanthropists, an increasing number of donors are tending towards giving the bulk of their wealth away during their lifetime, rather than setting up foundations or passing the majority of it on to their children. Among the philanthropists exemplifying this trend are Bill and Melinda Gates, Michael and Susan Dell, Jeffrey Skoll (former president of eBay) and Charles F. Feeney. Feeney, for example, has announced that his Atlantic Philanthropies will spend itself out over the next twelve to fifteen years, giving away approximately $350 million annually in four areas: disadvantaged children, aging, health, and human rights. To make the top 50 list, donors had to have given or pledged $95 million over the past five years. This is an increase of $30 million more than the year prior, yet another demonstration of the widening wealth gap.

Council on Foundations offers Emerging Philanthropic Leaders Fellowship Program
The Emerging Philanthropic Leaders Fellowship program, an initiative of the Council on Foundations, is designed to increase the number of individuals from diverse communities who have the understanding and skills they need to support the work of foundation management. Two individuals are selected each year to receive a two-year fellowship. Each fellow is mentored by a senior executive in philanthropy and receives support to attend CoF-sponsored conferences and to purchase personal growth and organizational development resources, among other benefits. The deadline for nominations is December 31st. For further information, go to www.cof.org.

DECEMBER 1, 2003

Three million people died of AIDS-related causes in 2003, new report states
Three million people died of AIDS-related causes throughout the world in 2003, while another five million HIV cases were reported, according to the annual "AIDS Epidemic Update" released by UNAIDS and the World Health Organization. The report notes that there are 40 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide in 2003. Sub-Saharan Africa continues to bear the brunt of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, with 3.2 million new HIV infections and 2.3 million AIDS-related deaths in 2003. There is grave concern about the spread of HIV throughout China, India and Russia. While people living with HIV/AIDS are just a small percentage of India's population, for example, the low prevalence hides epidemics in several regions of the country. The complete report is at www.unaids.org.

AIDS orphans in Africa set to double over the course of this decade, UNICEF reports
According to a new UNICEF report, the number of children in sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 15 who have lost at least one parent to HIV/AIDS is set to nearly double by 2010, from 11 million by the end of 2001 to 20 million by 2010, bringing the total number of orphans in the region to 42 million. Extended families, which in many cases are already overwhelmed and overstressed, provide care for 90 percent of all orphans, the report says. A growing number of households are headed by women and grandparents, and such households are generally poorer and less equipped to adequately provide for children. In general, orphans are more likely to be poorer and less healthy, experience cognitive and emotional developmental damage, have less access to education and be involved in child labor than non-orphans, the report says. The complete report is available at www.unicef.org.

South Africa approves plan for comprehensive anti-retroviral treatment for HIV and AIDS
The South African Cabinet has recently approved a plan that envisions that "within a year, there will be at least one [antiretroviral] service point in every health district across the country, and within five years, one service point in every local municipality." The plan also commits the government to investing substantial finance into upgrading South Africa's national healthcare system through recruitment and training of health care workers. Also planned is a large-scale public education campaign. The Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), whose representatives have spoken at Gw/oB gatherings, played a critical role in pushing for passage of this plan. TAC notes that the challenges ahead are to ensure that the plan is implemented quickly and to mobilize communities around treatment.

NOVEMBER 24, 2003

Proctor & Gamble to carry Fair Trade coffee
Following shareholder action and other public pressure, Procter & Gamble has announced that it will launch a line of Fair Trade Certified coffee under its Millstone label. Proctor & Gamble, responsible for roughly five percent of global coffee purchasing, is positioned to become one of the largest US purchasers of Fair Trade coffee. According to Domini Social Investments, this action is an excellent example of the power of shareholder action. For more, go to www.domini.com/shareholder-advocacy/Current-Wo/Fair-Trade.

World Bank to fund huge dam in Uganda
The World Bank is slated to fund construction of the Bujagali dam as an electrification scheme in Uganda, even though the Bank's own studies show that just seven percent of Ugandans would be able to afford electricity from the high-cost dam. The project would also destroy the Bujagali Falls, rapids that generate $60 million a year in tourist revenues. A coalition of organizations in Uganda is urging the Bank to put the project on hold and to study clean, renewable energy alternatives, including geothermal, solar and micro-hydro. Geothermal potential alone is estimated to offer twice as much power as the Bujagali dam is expected to generate. Global support is called for to oppose the dam. Go to www.globalresponse.org and www.irn.org.

NCRP urges IRS to deny tax-exempt status to DeLay's new children's charity
The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) is urging the IRS to deny tax-exempt status to a new charity set up by US House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, through which high-end donors can buy access to powerful politicians by sponsoring private dinners and parties at next year's Republican convention. While net proceeds would purportedly go to children's charities, a large share of the contributions would pay for fundraising events to reelect President Bush, giving donors a tax-deductible way around new campaign finance reforms. "This so-called ‘charity' is set up to divide its contributions between helping poor children and electing the very politicians whose policies help keep those children impoverished," stated NCRP Executive Director Rick Cohen. For more go to www.ncrp.org.

NOVEMBER 17, 2003

GrantCraft offers new guide on funding participation in world summits and conferences
The Ford Foundation's GrantCraft program has recently published a guide to funding grantee participation in world summits and conferences. According to GrantCraft, such events offer great opportunities for grantees to contribute ideas to governments and international agencies and to network with other organizations, but careful preparation and follow-up are required if organizations are to make a real difference. This guide looks at how grantmakers can help grantees use these convenings to advance programmatic goals. Available at www.grantcraft.org/catalog/guides/summits.

International commission finds Belize in violation of Maya human rights
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has adopted a report finding that Belize is violating the human rights of Maya communities in Toledo District, Belize. The full contents of the report remain confidential, but activists are confident that the report will speak favorably to the rights of Maya, who have documented the violation of numerous rights, including their right to traditional lands. In past similar cases, the Commission has found that Indigenous communities like the Mayas have collective rights to lands they have used and occupied, regardless of whether the government has recognized and protected those rights through national law. Under the rules of the Commission, the Government of Belize has two months to review the contents of the report before it is made public. For more information, email moorelaw@btl.net.

Tens of thousands begin to gather in Miami to protest the FTAA
On Wednesday, trade ministers from 34 countries will begin three days of closed-door sessions to advance negotiations on the proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). The FTAA is a sweeping agreement that would extend the NAFTA model of corporate-driven globalization to the entire Western Hemisphere (less Cuba). Tens of thousands of protesters will convene in a powerful display of opposition to the FTAA and with concrete proposals for alternatives in what is shaping up to be the most important US-based showdown over corporate globalization since Seattle. For more on opposition to the FTAA, go to www.fntg.org, www.stopFTAA.org, and www.citizenstrade.org/stopftaa.php.

Colin Powell met by Indigenous protestors on recent visit to Honduras
US Secretary of State Colin Powell visited Honduras on November 4th, where he was met with protest by Indigenous community members. Led by the Civic Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras (COPINH), the small but vocal group publicized demands set forth by Indigenous communities: closure of the Palmerola military base and an end to US military presence in Honduras, a halt to plans to install a new military base in the Indigenous territories of the Gracias a Dios department, and the return of Honduran soldiers in Iraq. Protestors affirmed their position that relations between all governments and peoples of the world should be oriented by peacebuilding and the search for true development.

NOVEMBER 10, 2003

Skoll Foundation increases endowment to $300 million
Jeffrey S. Skoll, co-founder of online auction house eBay, has increased the Skoll Foundation's endowment from $117 million to $300 million. The increase will better allow Skoll to "advance systemic change to benefit communities around the world by investing in, connecting and celebrating social entrepreneurs." A typical grantee is ApproTEC, a non-profit business that helps African subsistence farmers make their land more productive with the help of simple technology. For more information, go to www.skollfoundation.org.

Elimination of US estate tax would significantly reduce charitable giving, study claims
According to a new report from OMB Watch, elimination of the US federal estate tax, currently under consideration by the US Congress, would have a significantly negative impact on charitable giving. OMB Watch argues that up to US$10 billion a year would be lost to charity if the estate tax were fully eliminated. For more go to www.ombwatch.org/budget/pdf/ETCharitable_state_final_oct2003.pdf.

UN to adopt Anti-Corruption Treaty
The UN General Assembly is set to adopt a new treaty against corruption. Secretary-General Kofi Annan hailed it for removing one of the biggest obstacles to development. "Corruption hurts the poor disproportionately—by diverting funds intended for development, undermining a government's ability to provide basic services, feeding inequality and injustice, and discouraging foreign investment and aid," he said. More at www.un.org.

Girls Go Global Project seeks submissions on popular culture and global feminism
The Girls Go Global Project is an international initiative to bring together contemporary and popular culture images of global feminism across the globe. Contributions demonstrating women and girls' vision for a better future are invited for publication and exhibition. The project is seeking words, essays, photos, art, images and multimedia depictions of feminism. The submission deadline is December 1st. For more, go to www.girlsgoglobal.org.

NOVEMBER 3, 2003

Rise in international giving attributed primarily to Gates Foundation, new analysis finds
A 2000 study by the Foundation Center found that international giving by US foundations had increased to 16 percent of all foundation giving, up from less than 12 percent during prior years. A recent analysis of the Foundation Center's data by the Foundation Strategy Group, however, has found that this increase is due primarily to one single factor, the emergence of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. There has been a steady growth in the number of US foundations making international grants. However, if one excludes Gates, international giving as a percentage of total grants for US foundations has actually declined. The analysis also found that newer foundations are less inclined to give internationally than older ones: Excluding Gates, 80 percent of international funding comes from foundations older than 30 years. Noteworthy too is the finding that international funding is far more concentrated than domestic funding: The top 25 percent of US foundations account for 83 percent of all international giving, versus 40 percent for domestic giving. Grantmakers Without Borders is mentioned in the study as one hopeful sign that these trends might be altered. For the complete report, go to www.foundationstrategy.com/documents/actlocthinkglob.pdf.

Canadian universities team up for "Visiting Scholar in Feminist Perspectives on Globalization"
Women's Studies programs at Carleton University and the University of Ottawa have launched a four-year project to allow scholars from the developing world to spend a research term at their institutions in order to expand gender and development research. For the next academic year, they are seeking an English-speaking scholar from a developing country working within a "feminist perspective on globalization" in one of several areas, including agriculture, basic education, child protection, health and nutrition, information and communication technologies, human rights, and democratization and good governance. For more information, email hboudre@uottawa.ca.

Life has changed little for most women in Afghanistan, one expert finds
Adeena Niazi, Executive Director of the Afghan Women's Organization in Canada, was in Afghanistan this summer, where she found that outside Kabul little has changed for women since the fall of the Taliban. In a recent interview with AWID, Adeena noted that "forced marriages are still common, women are scared of going out without being covered and the security and safety problem is worse than it was during the Taliban." Adeena found that "In Kabul...people have become even poorer because of the presence of international NGOs which have caused hyperinflation... "Adeena believes that "The US is still funding and supporting the local warlords and is responsible for sustaining their power."

OCTOBER 6, 2003

House committee decides against foundation spending reform measure
The House Ways and Means Committee, approving the Charitable Giving Act of 2003 (H.R. 7), dropped the original version of a foundation spending reform measure that would have excluded foundations' overhead costs from what they count as charitable spending. According to the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP), the committee adopted a complicated substitute version of the measure that opens more loopholes than it closes and may actually reduce the amount of foundation grant dollars that go to charity. The altered version creates a list of certain administrative expenses that foundations can and cannot count toward their minimum charitable spending requirement. NCRP believes that the revised version may tempt foundations to define even more of their administrative expenses under the heading of charitable spending. For more, go to www.ncrp.org.

FNTG to organize funder delegation to the FTAA Ministerial in Miami
With the breakdown in global trade talks at the recently held WTO Ministerial in Cancun, attention is now turning to Miami, where ministers and trade negotiators will attempt to further efforts to expand regional trade agreements throughout the hemisphere. The stakes in Miami are high and have implications for a wide array of funders and their grantees, whatever their specific areas of focus. Lack of agreement in the WTO is already casting a shadow over the Free Trade Area of the Americas, however, and the emergence of Brazil at the forefront of demands by developing countries will make reaching agreement in Miami far more complicated. Funders Network on Trade and Globalization delegation members will have an opportunity to observe the international trade process firsthand and participate in discussions with key civil society actors from across the Americas. For more information on planned activities as well as registration details, contact Mark Rand at mark@fntg.org.

MoveOn and others to organize day of action against Bush policy in Iraq
On Thursday, October 9th, citizens around the country will gather at their local Senators' offices to demand that the Senate hold President Bush accountable for the mismanagement of the Iraq war and his $87 billion supplemental request. Organized by MoveOn, Working Assets and others, participants in the action will be sent a picture of a voided blank check to print out and bring with them on a visit to local Senators' offices. For more information go to moveon.org/noblankcheck/.

Chile's Supreme Court strikes down permits for conversion of endangered rare rainforest
Global citizen action has helped protect 150,000 acres of Chile's temperate rainforest. Chile's government had approved the country's largest project—Bosques SA—to convert this forest to non-native tree farms, endangering the rare siempre verde ("forever green") forest type that is unique to southern Chile and Argentina as well as the flora and fauna, including many endemics, that make their home there. Based on widespread public pressure, Chile's Supreme Court struck down permits that had been issued to Bosques SA for conversion of endangered temperate rainforest to tree farms. Actions continue, however, since a Chilean bankruptcy court will soon auction off the Bosques SA project to the highest bidder, who could still cut down the forest on this property as long it is not replaced with a tree farm.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2003

Hunger Project makes awards for ending hunger in Africa
The Hunger Project has recently announced the 2003 recipients of the Africa Prize for Leadership for the Sustainable End of Hunger. This US$100,000 prize is designed to call forth the committed leadership that Africa needs to build a future free from hunger. This year's prizes were awarded to individuals and organizations on the front lines of stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Winners were Amelia Jacob, Service Health and Development for People Living Positively with HIV/AIDS, Tanzania; Rt. Rev. Bishop Dennis de Jong, Roman Catholic Diocese of Ndola, Zambia; Hiwot HIV/AIDS Prevention, Care and Support Organization, Ethiopia; and Padare/Enkundleni/Men's Forum on Gender, Zimbabwe.

Developed country cows are wealthier than many in the global South, the Guardian reports
The UK's Guardian newspaper, in advance of the WTO meetings at Cancun, asked the following question: How much money does livestock in rich countries get from government compared to people's earnings in the developing world? It turns out that the European subsidy per cow is $803, while the Bangladeshi Gross National Income per capita is just $360. Each Angolan's share of the GNI is $660; each cow in Japan receives $2,555. The government subsidy per US cow is $1,057, while the GNI per capita in Ethiopia is $100. All numbers are sourced to the World Bank, Oxfam, the UN Development Report, and other resources.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2003

WTO Ministerial ends in collapse, as global Southern countries push back on the North
A variety of articles on the recent unprecedented happenings in Cancun can be found at the Funders Network on Trade and Globalization's website, www.fntg.org.

International education funders to consider launching new funders network
UNESCO reports that $5.6 billion in aid is needed annually through 2015 to achieve universal primary education and gender equity schooling. There is growing awareness that private funders can make a difference, and there is potential for funders to find common areas of interest in supporting efforts to make universal basic and secondary education (UBASE) a reality. Several funders in the field are proposing the creation of a network of grantmakers interested in funding basic and secondary education internationally. The inaugural meeting of the Funders Group for UBASE will take place in conjunction with the Grantmakers for Education annual conference on November 4th, 2003 in Washington D.C. The meeting will provide a chance to exchange information and develop a basic strategy for moving forward.

A few places remain in Engaged International Philanthropy Program
There are a few spaces left in the Engaged International Philanthropy Program beginning in early October in the San Francisco Bay Area. This program, held in partnership with Gw/oB, Ashoka, and others, will combine continued learning about global philanthropy with a hands-on group grantmaking process. Participants will join a giving circle of up to 15 people to review proposals submitted by Ashoka fellows. Membership is open to individual donors and representatives of foundations or corporations interested in international giving. For more information, please contact Marc Manashil at marc@theclarencefoundation.org.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2003

More Than Money offers chance to raise funds through a unique raffle
A Board member of More Than Money recently purchased at auction the "2002 Today Show Green Room Guest Autograph Book", loaded with autographs of many celebrities. She then gave it to More Than Money in hopes that they give it to a nonprofit organization that would then go on to use it in their own fundraising efforts—for example using it in a raffle or auctioning it off. More Than Money is now inviting non-profits to visit their website to sign up for the raffling off of this unique item and fundraising opportunity. Go to www.morethanmoney.org/greenroombook.htm.

US Treasury Department freezes assets of Charities with Hamas ties
The Bush Administration has ordered the Treasury Department to freeze the assets of five charities that administration officials point to as supporters of Hamas, the New York Times reports. Although US officials agree that most if not all of the charities provide social services and relief assistance in the Palestinian territories, they also argue that the groups help finance terrorist activities. Because the charities in question have few assets in the US, the freeze will need support from European countries, where four of the five organizations are headquartered. The US government has already frozen assets of US-based charities tied to Hamas. Go to nytimes.com/2003/08/23/international/middleeast/23PREX.html.

Open Society Institute creates Iraq Revenue Watch
The Open Society Institute has set up a project to monitor Iraq's oil industry and public finances. The aim of the effort is to help ensure that the benefits of national oil wealth flow to the people of Iraq. The initiative will produce periodic policy-oriented reports on the transparency of Iraqi public finance. For more information, go to www.iraqrevenuewatch.org.

Foreign aid bill to include $500 million for Columbia
As early as next week, the US Senate will debate the 2004 foreign aid bill, which contains over $500 million in foreign aid for Colombia. Most of this money will be used to equip military and police forces accused of grave human rights abuses, including the increased repression and murder of trade union activists. Action is being called for to ensure floor debate on the issue. For more, go to www.campaignforlaborrights.org.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2003

Hilton Prize awarded to organization assisting torture victims
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation awarded its $1 million humanitarian prize to the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims in Copenhagen. The council provides medical and psychological care to about 100,000 torture victims a year and provides support for more than 200 rehabilitation centers and programs for victims in 80 countries. More at www.hiltonfoundation.org/press_release_list.asp.

Ex-Im rejects funding of Camisea Gas project
Under intense pressure from environmental and indigenous rights groups and members of Congress, the Export-Import Bank of the US (Ex-Im) voted to reject financing for the controversial $1.6 billion Camisea Gas Project in the Peruvian Amazon. The Ex-Im loan would have provided $213 million for the venture led by Hunt Oil and PlusPetrol. (Ray Hunt, Chairman of Hunt Oil, is a Bush Pioneer Fundraiser who raised $100,000 for the 2000 Presidential elections.) Camisea is already scarring the Peruvian Amazon and affecting the Nahua-Kugapakori (N-K) Reserve, home of uncontacted and isolated indigenous populations. Next week, the Inter-American Development Bank is slated to take up the project. For more go to www.globalresponse.org.

AUGUST 25, 2003

Prize established for excellence in international education
The Goldman Sachs Foundation and the Asia Society have announced the creation of five new $25,000 prizes to support international education in action. Prizes will be presented in several different categories, including a high school that engages students in learning about international affairs through its curriculum and through partnerships with other countries or local organizations, and a nonprofit organization using media and technology to educate students or teachers about other world regions and cultures or international issues. For more information, go to www.InternationalEd.org/prizes.

IDB to free up loans to Haiti
In July, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) announced the reactivation of its loan program in Haiti, in apparent recognition of the human rights implications of the financial crisis. In January 2001, the IDB halted all loans to Haiti, including social sector loans in the areas of health, water and sanitation, education, and rural roads. The IDB is expected to finalize arrangements for the release of $146 million in loans in the coming weeks.

Chile approves plans to convert endangered forests to non-native tree farms
More than one-quarter of the world's remaining temperate rainforests are in Chile, but the government has approved the country's largest project to convert large areas of it into non-native tree farms. The project, called Bosques SA, will affect more than 150,000 acres, endangering the rainforests and a number of other plants and animals, including many endemics. The US is the largest purchaser of Chilean wood products. International action is called to push the Chilean government to halt the project. For more information, go to www.globalresponse.org.

AUGUST 18, 2003

Gw/oB members invited to reception for Clarence Foundation's Engaged Philanthropy
Gw/oB member the Clarence Foundation will hold an open house for its Engaged International Philanthropy Program on September 10th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at the Stanford Grill on the Stanford University campus. In partnership with Gw/oB, Ashoka and other leading philanthropic organizations, Clarence will create giving circles where 10 to 15 people pool their time, talent and resources to support small international projects. Participants will review proposals submitted by Ashoka fellows, communicate with these prospective grantees via e-mail and make group funding decisions. In partnership with Gw/oB, Clarence will intersperse opportunities for peer learning into the program, including presentations by active Gw/oB members on how we can maximize the effectiveness of our global grantmaking. Gw/oB members are warmly invited to attend the open house to learn more about this special grantmaking program. For more information, please contact Marc Manashil at (510) 558-7188 or marc@theclarencefoundation.org.

CoF study finds widespread interest in international issues among affinity groups
A recent study conducted by the Council on Foundation's International Programs found that, of CoF's 37 recognized affinity groups, 20 have a current interest in international grantmaking or international issues, and 16 are developing internationally focused activities or programs. For more information, go to www.usig.org/International%20Dateline/ID3rdqtr2003.pdf

West African countries launch effort to curb child labor on farms
Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea Conakry and other West African countries recently launched an effort to curb the use of child labor on cocoa farms and elsewhere in agriculture. The three-year West Africa Cocoa/Agriculture Project calls for stiffer punishment for employing child labor and support for educational programs and vocational training for children unable to go to school. West African countries took up the program after threats of a US and European consumer boycott of cocoa products following reports of child labor in regional cocoa production. For more, go to action.ran.org/action_detail.jsp?id=93.

Bush administration applies "death by a thousand cuts" to non-profit free speech
According to some observers, rather than employing a single legislative or regulatory proposal to limit nonprofit speech, the Bush administration and conservative allies have proposed or begun implementing myriad proposals that are akin to a "death by a thousand cuts." These cuts come in several areas, including attacks on nonprofit advocacy and engendering fear and confusion through the USA Patriot Act. For more, go to news.gilbert.org/clickthru/redir/4823/26842/rms and villagevoice.com/issues/0332/lee.php.

AUGUST 11, 2003

Nominations invited for 2004 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation is seeking to recognize an organization that has made extraordinary contributions toward alleviating human suffering anywhere in the world. The $1 million prize, the world's largest humanitarian award, is presented annually to an established nonprofit organization. The award will be announced in fall 2004. The deadline for nominations is November 1st, 2003. Nomination packets are available at www.hiltonfoundation.org.

Josette Sheeran Shiner sworn in as Deputy US Trade Representative
US Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick recently swore in Josette Sheeran Shiner as Deputy US Trade Representative. Sheeran Shiner will be the lead US negotiator for trade issues involving East Asia, South Asia, and Africa and will oversee issues concerning labor and environment and trade capacity building. Says Sheeran Shiner: "Open markets benefit American workers, families, consumers and businesses, as well as providing hope and opportunity to the developing world. President Bush and Ambassador Zoellick have restored America's leadership in global trade liberalization, and I intend to do everything I can to maintain this momentum and to ensure that our trading partners implement their commitments to us."

House passes Chile and Singapore Free Trade Agreements
On July 24th, the US-Chile agreement passed the US House of Representatives (270 for, 156 against) along with the US-Singapore agreement (272 for, 155 against). Despite the fact that the agreements were passed, activists were heartened by the relatively lower number of Democrats supporting the agreements: 75 in all, compared to 167 who signed onto the WTO in 1993. Activists see this as a testament to hard work over the past decade building awareness about the corporate globalization model of "free trade."

House passes Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act
On July 15th, the House voted 418 to 2 to pass the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act, which will ban imports from Burma, freeze the regime's assets, and ensure that Burma's dictatorship cannot receive IMF or World Bank loans. This bill, once enacted, will be the strongest international response yet to the ongoing crisis in Burma. For more information, go to www.campaignforlaborrights.org.

Public financing delayed indefinitely on gas project in Peru's Amazon
For the second time in two weeks, under intense pressure from environmental and human rights groups and members of Congress, last week the Board of Executive Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) delayed scheduled votes on the controversial $2.6 billion Camisea Gas Project in Peru. Votes at both banks were expected on August 6th but are now cancelled due to no consensus. Sources indicate that the US Government has yet to develop a final position on Camisea at either bank, while European and Japanese Board members at the IDB are growing increasingly concerned with the project. It is anticipated that the project be will brought back for votes within a month. For more information, go to www.amazonwatch.org, www.bicusa.org, and www.foe.org.

AUGUST 4, 2003

WHEAT Trust celebrates its fifth birthday today
The Women's Hope Education and Training Trust (WHEAT Trust) turns five years old today, August 4th. WHEAT Trust is a South Africa-based women's fund making grants to support women's human rights and development. WHEAT Trust will celebrate their birthday with several events, including a gala event at the Artscape in Cape Town and the launch of an Endowment Campaign to help build long-term viability of this public foundation. For more information on WHEAT Trust, email Tina Thiart at thiart@worldonline.co.za.

Fellowships offered to train activists in transitions from conflict to peace
Applications are invited for the Transitional Justice Fellowship Program, a four-month residential fellowship program in Cape Town, South Africa, for twelve professionals from select countries. Fellows will discuss strategies to be deployed following a period of conflict or repressive rule in order to bring about a more just, democratic, and peaceful society in their respective countries. The goal of the program is for fellows to participate in and make informed contributions to the development of transitional justice strategies in their home countries. For more information, go to www.ictj.org/fellowship_program.asp.

South Korean court orders halt to Saemangeum project
On July 15th, a mid-level court made a historic ruling by ordering a halt to development plans that would destroy South Koreas most precious shoreline area, the Saemangeum tidal flat. The court ruled that water in the proposed reclamation reservoirs would be of too low quality for agricultural use, rendering the project's purpose illegitimate and the costs required to clean it up far in excess of those claimed by the government. The Ministry of Agriculture has announced that it will appeal the ruling.

IDB postpones vote on Peru gas project, additional action called for
Following widespread public pressure, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has decided to postpone till August 6th its vote on providing $175 million in loan guarantees for the Camisea Gas Project in Peru. This Project is an effort to exploit gas fields deep in the Peruvian Amazon. Independent assessments have shown this region to be one of the last great areas of pristine rainforest left on Earth, and three of the four well sites are located in a formal reserve for Indigenous peoples who have been uncontacted by the outside world. The Washington Post has reported that the Bush Administration is applying pressure to have the loan guarantees approved. The CEO of a key Camisea interest, Hunt Oil, is a top contributor to the Bush re-election campaign, and Halliburton is expected to get the lucrative contract to process the gas extraction. Activists are encouraging people to contact the Treasury Department to express their concerns. Go to www.globalresponse.org/gra_index/gra0602.html.

JULY 14, 2003

NCRP issues second report on five percent payout issue
The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) recently released the second of two reports on the Congressional proposal to end foundations' practice of counting overhead costs toward the annual five percent payout. The report argues that foundations will count up to $3.2 billion of overhead costs in 2003 toward their charitable spending requirement, and that that money would generate 26,000 average-sized grants. NCRP also found that, on average, nearly half of foundation overhead costs counted as charitable spending went toward trustee fees, staff salaries and benefits. The report, called "A Billion Here, a Billion There: The Empirical Data Add Up," is available at www.ncrp.org/NCRP%20HR%207statement2.pdf.

Mexican Justice Department affirms 258 women murdered in Cuidad Juarez since 1993
The Mexican Justice Department stated on May 21st that 258 women have been killed since 1993 in Ciudad Juarez. This was the first time that federal investigators offered a public death toll for a decade of murders against women in this border city. The figure appears to include "sexually motivated" killings of at least 93 women. For more, go to www.newsday.com.

International banks bow to pressure on human rights and the environment
International financial institutions, feeling the heat from environmental groups worldwide, recently offered the "Equator Principles," a unified commitment by international banks to human rights and the environment. Environmental groups are already questioning the legitimacy of the commitment, noting that the "Equator Principles" fail to address the core issue of investment in logging, oil and other projects that destroy endangered ecosystems and native communities. For more, go to www.ran.org/news/newsitem.php?id=706&area=home.

JULY 7, 2003

New York Attorney General seeks to outlaw foundations with assets of less than $20 million
New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer has proposed a variety of changes to federal law and state regulation that would outlaw the formation of small private foundations. In defending his proposal, Spitzer cites abuses by some smaller foundations that lack professional staff, among other things. "What [the attorney general's office] often encounters," claims Spitzer, "is a failure on the part of the founder to distinguish between the assets that are his or hers and the assets that are the foundation's." (Reported in a recent Chronicle of Philanthropy.

UN migrant workers convention becomes international law
Migrant workers found great cause for celebration when, on July 1st, the "International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families" became a binding international treaty and one of the seven core international human rights instruments. According to a UN press release, "The [Convention] imposes a series of obligations on States parties in the interest of promoting "sound, equitable, humane and lawful conditions for the international migration of workers and members of their families." For more, go www.unhchr.ch/html/menu3/b/m_mwctoc.htm.

Conference calls for ban on genital mutilation
Delegates from 28 Middle Eastern and African countries recently concluded a three-day meeting in Cairo by calling on governments to "adopt specific legislation addressing female genital mutilation in order to affirm their commitment to stopping the practice." Delegates also called for better public dissemination of information about genital mutilation. Female activists note that laws will be ineffective unless practitioners are educated about the negative effects of FGM. For more, go to www.unwire.org/UNWire/20030624/449_5701.asp.

Salvadoran communications workers denied write to organize
The El Salvadoran Ministry of Labor recently blocked the formation of a union of communications workers, denying workers their constitutional right to organize. Activists now fear they will be targeted for firings. In March, workers had succeeded in establishing the Industrial Union of Communications Workers, which for the first time in Salvadoran history brought together workers from cellular-phone and Internet companies, radio and TV stations, and newspapers. International solidarity is being called for. For more, go to www.campaignforlaborrights.org.

JUNE 30, 2003

International grantmaking is on the rise, "Giving USA" reports
In the most recent edition of "Giving USA" comes the news that donations by people in the US to international issues rose to 1.9%--up from 1.5% in the year prior. Among the reasons cited for the increase was the US invasion of Afghanistan. Overall, giving was up just 1%, from $239 billion in 2001 to $241 billion in 2002. Adjusted for inflation, that's actually a decrease of .5%. International issues was one of only a few sectors to see an increase in giving. While this news is good, as always these figures are to be accepted with some caution, given the enormous challenges in measuring the true picture of US-based giving. For more information go to www.aafrc.org.

Popular movements to gather in Honduras to oppose Plan Puebla Panama
A huge gathering of popular struggles from around the world is expected in Tegucigalpa, Honduras from July 22nd to 24th. Called the "Forum for Alternatives to Plan Puebla Panama," the gathering will address this Mesoamerican-specific component of the FTAA, through education, networking, and strategizing to fight the PPP and the FTAA. For more information, go to www.foroshonduras.org.hn.

Women's rights in Peru under extreme threat
Government officials in Peru have recently released two new policies which will severely restrict women's reproductive choices and personal freedoms. Among other things, these policies require women to register pregnancies from conception, and confer personhood on fertilized eggs even before pregnancy is established. Activists note that, while Peruvian health officials remain obsessively preoccupied with protecting fertilized eggs and embryos, Peruvian women continue to die from complications of both pregnancy and unsafe abortion at the highest rates in Latin America. Civil society in Peru is mobilizing to block these measures and is inviting international help. For more information go to www.genderhealth.org.

JUNE 23, 2003

US conservatives attack international NGOs
At a recent conference entitled "Nongovernmental Organizations: The Growing Power of an Unelected Few," sponsored by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), claims were made that NGO's are using their growing prominence and power to pursue a "liberal" agenda at the international level, threatening US sovereignty and free market capitalism. One conference sponsor noted that "Politicians and corporate leaders are often forced to respond to the NGO media machine, and the resources of taxpayers and shareholders are used in support of ends they did not sanction." "The extraordinary growth of advocacy NGOs in liberal democracies has the potential to undermine the sovereignty of constitutional democracies." The conference was apparently convened to announce the launch of a website, www.NGOWatch.org, that will monitor international NGOs that the site's sponsors deem as dangerous. For the complete story go to www.ipsnews.net/interna.asp?idnews=18733.

US Senate votes to overturn FCC ruling on media ownership
On June 19th, the US Senate voted to overturn key elements of the FCC decision to loosen media ownership rules. One provision of the Senate bill went beyond where the rules stood before and would force big radio companies to divest themselves of some stations. This success was due in large part to a massive outpouring of public comments opposing the idea of letting fewer media companies own more and more media. The bill faces more resistance in the US House. To voice concerns to the House, go to www.mediareform.net.

UN is concerned over safety of women and children in Iraq
UN officials in Iraq have expressed concern that the number of street children in Iraq has been growing and that these children will become victims of trafficking. Also of great concern is the rights of women: Muslim extremists have been harassing women to wear veils, and one Iraqi UN staff member has received a death threat for not doing so. UN officials have expressed additional concern at the reported rise in the number of rapes. For more, go to www.unwire.org/UNWire/20030613/449_5027.asp.

JUNE 16, 2003

Boston Globe reporter writes on Iraqi civilian deaths
Derrick Jackson of the Boston Globe writes that "Whenever reporters asked about civilian deaths in the invasion of Iraq, US military officials reflexively plunged into a numbing prattle about the precision of our weaponry, precaution to avoid needless carnage, and promises to investigate possible mistakes. Two and a half months after the prattle, we now have the terrible truth. There never was an investigation. That fact was embedded (pun intended) in an Associated Press report." "The AP quoted Central Command spokesman John Morgan confirming the nonexistence of an investigation." An Internet search found that this AP report made no front pages, nor was it reported on the evening news. Jackson's column is available at www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/164/oped/US_clouds_Iraqi_civilian_deaths+.shtml.

Agrochemical shareholders call for corporate accountability
Shareholders have strongly signaled the three largest agrochemical companies to acknowledge the environmental and health risks of their products. Led by socially responsible investment firms, shareholders at Dow and Monsanto requested detailed information about the handling of dangerous pesticides and byproducts and the possibility of costly lawsuits. At Bayer, shareholders highlighted the board's insufficient response to a tragic poisoning in Peru.

Center for the Study of Philanthropy offers International Fellows Programs
The Center for the Study of Philanthropy is accepting applications for its International Fellows Program. The program provides professional development training for third-sector practitioners from outside the US and is designed to help build third-sector capacity in the fellows' home countries. Fellows attend weekly seminars, learn about the work of key agencies and foundations, meet with nonprofit representatives, and study US and international community foundation models. The program is open to senior-level practitioners over the age of 35 who are citizens of countries other than the US. The deadline for application is July 15, 2003. For more information, go to www.philanthropy.org.

JUNE 9, 2003

NCRP favors legislation on 5 percent payout restrictions
The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) has come out in favor of the proposed congressional legislation to tighten rules governing foundation payouts, calculating that the changes would result in $4.3 billion in additional grants to charities each year. The legislation would prevent private foundations from including administrative expenses in their annual payout total of at least 5 percent of the value of assets. Meanwhile, a group of large foundations has hired former Republican Senator Bill Paxon to lobby against the legislation. The Council on Foundations is also opposed to the legislation, saying that it will force foundations to spend down their endowments and endanger their long-term viability. The complete NCRP report is available at www.ncrp.org/HelpingCharities.pdf.

Rios Montt may not stand for re-election, authorities in Guatemala rule
Guatemalan electoral authorities ruled on Friday that former dictator Retired Gen. Efrain Rios Montt, accused of ordering genocide during the country's 36-year civil war, could not seek the presidency in November. Despite his violent record, analysts say Rios Montt would have a good chance of winning if allowed to stand. The US State Department has stated it would have trouble working with him-though when Rios Montt was head of the military regime carrying out genocide in Mayan regions of the country, he was fully backed by the US. Reagan visited Guatemala during Rios Montt's reign of genocide and called Rios Montt "a model of democracy." Rios Montt said he would appeal the electoral authorities' decision.

Group in Honduras occupies education building as protest move
In La Esperanza in Honduras, COPINH (Civic Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras) recently occupied the Department of Education building to demand education reform, especially in indigenous regions. COPINH is demanding the resignation of a corrupt local Ministry of Education official and the addressing of the lack of educators in rural and indigenous communities. COPINH intends to stay until their demands are met. COPINH is a grassroots community development organization working for indigenous and human rights and was one of the organizations visited last September on Gw/oB's travel seminar to Central America.

"Free trade" agreements facilitate biopiracy by multinational corporations
American corporations are taking advantage of "free-trade" agreements to find plants, animals and even people they can patent and turn into profit. Once a biological resource with commercial potential is identified, the corporation that "discovered" it can claim a patent on it, and thus turn what was once freely available to all into private property. Corporations are applying for patents on everything from trees and rice varieties to proteins, gene sequences and human stem cells. For the whole story go to www.alternet.org/envirohealth/.

JUNE 2, 2003

South Korea may destroy its largest tidal flat
On June 5th, the president of South Korea is expected to announce if his government will permit the destruction of one of the world's most ecologically important tidal flats, Saemangeum, in order to undertake the largest land reclamation project in the world. The Saemangeum wetland supports rich fisheries and myriad wildlife and hosts the greatest number of migratory birds in South Korea. Most South Koreans oppose this project, and it has been condemned by environmental organizations worldwide. Four religious leaders are protesting through a 3-month, 350-kilometer march from Saemangeum. Every third step they fall to their knees and bow their heads to the ground. The monks will reach Seoul on May 31st, to be joined by a massive rally.

Nigeria takes steps against FGM
Ten years after the legislation was first drafted, Nigeria has passed a policy on female genital mutilation (FGM). The policy's intent is to educate Nigerians about FGM. WHO statistics show that 130 million women worldwide have undergone FGM and 2 million women and girls are at risk of undergoing the procedure each year. Nigeria, one of 28 countries in Africa where FGM is still practiced, has a prevalence rate of 41 percent. More at www.unfoundation.org/unwire/2003/05/20/current.asp#33823.

Legislation to allow travel to Cuba introduced in US Senate
The Freedom to Travel to Cuba Act, 2003, was introduced by Senator Michael Enzi (R-WY) and co-sponsors, including Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), Larry Craig (R-ID) and Byron Dorgan (D-ND). This bill represents an effort to replace a policy of isolation of Cuba with one of engagement and affirms the rights of US citizens to travel and experience other nations of the world for ourselves. Supporters of the legislation are being asked to contact their senators to express their favorable position on the bill.

MAY 29, 2003

US Trade Representative Now on Visit to Brazil
US Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick is currently visiting Brazil to discuss with government officials ways to promote trade liberalization in the Western Hemisphere through the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). Zoellick will also review the current WTO negotiations in preparation for the 5th WTO Ministerial Meeting in Cancun in September. According to Zoellick, "Bringing down hemispheric trade barriers, opening markets, and promoting economic reform and integration offers the Western Hemisphere the best opportunity to promote hope, prosperity, and freedom for all of our peoples."

Story of Jessica Lynch's Capture and Rescue in Iraq Turns Out to be Fabricated
Coverage of the scandal has been extensive outside the US, but there has been little word within the US media that the alleged capture of US soldier Jessica Lynch by Iraqi forces and her subsequent rescue by US forces had been fabricated. It has emerged that Lynch was neither shot nor stabbed but suffered accident injuries when her vehicle overturned. Iraqi doctors tended to her wounds, it now appears, despite US press reports that Iraqi doctors had ignored her. The BBC calls this "one of the most stunning pieces of news management ever conceived." For more, go to www.workingforchange.com/article.cfm?itemid=15018.

Residency Program Offered for Women Peacemakers
The Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice's (IPJ) Women PeaceMakers Program will convene women from around the world who have been involved in human rights and peacemaking efforts to participate in a residency at the IPJ. This program will help women working on the frontlines record their experiences, activities, and insights and create a network of women peacemakers who may become resources to be called on to serve in peacemaking and post-conflict planning processes internationally. The residency period is from September 29th to December 5th, 2003, and the application deadline is June 27th. For more information, go to peace.sandiego.edu.

MAY 19, 2003

More information on proposed legislation to tighten foundation giving
Congress is considering legislation to prevent foundations from counting salaries, travel, facilities, and other administrative expenses as part of their mandated payout. Reps. Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Harold Ford Jr. (D-TN) introduced H.R. 7, the House version of the CARE Act, last week. For more information on this bill, and to read the text, go to www.cof.org/index.cfm?containerid=64.

Global Fund for AIDS in dire straights
A new congressional report has cautioned that the Global Fund to Fight Aids, TB and Malaria is threatened by a lack of resources and may go belly up soon. Just two rounds of grants have been made since the Fund was created, and a third round of grants cannot be made until additional funds are raised. Fund officials estimate that paying for already approved grants and financing new ones will require some $5 billion in contributions through 2004.

US Senate to examine Nature Conservancy land deals
Senate Finance Committee leaders plan to ask the Nature Conservancy, the World's richest environmental organization, to respond to allegations that it sold environmentally sensitive parcels of land to trustees and supporters. One issue is the Nature Conservancy's practice of buying parcels of land and placing development restrictions on them, thereby reducing their price. The organization then sells land at the lower price to a trustee or donor, who, in turn, makes a donation to the Conservancy that is roughly equal to the difference between the initial market value of the land and the discounted selling price.

MAY 12, 2003

Congress considers tighter rules on foundation giving
According to the San Jose Mercury News, Congress is considering legislation to prevent foundations from counting salaries, travel, facilities, and other administrative expenses as part of their mandated payout. The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy notes that the hundred largest foundations would have to give nearly $900 million more each year if administrative costs were excluded from the payout requirement. The Council on Foundations has argued that the move would deplete foundation endowments and is instead backing a congressional proposal calling for increased oversight of foundations by the IRS. Found at www.bayarea.com.

Legislative efforts to simplify grassroots lobbying proceed
The provision to simplify grassroots lobbying by charities has been included in the House CARE Act, introduced on May 6th. The provision is identical to that included in the Senate-passed CARE Act, with the exception that the starting date for the House grassroots provision would be January 1, 2004, a year later than in the Senate bill. The legislation eliminates the difference between the expenditure limits for direct and grassroots lobbying for charities that choose to use the 501(h) expenditure test to measure their lobbying. The CARE Act must pass several more hurdles before it can become law.

US hinders World Health Organization efforts to curtail smoking
The WHO, after a three-year process, found broad agreement among 171 countries for a treaty to prevent the spread of smoking-related diseases. Among the provisions: banning most advertising, putting a big tax on tobacco products, and requiring large warning labels on cigarette packages. As with many other internationally sanctioned pacts, the US has balked at signing onto this one. Among US objections: the ban on advertising and marketing limits the &"free speech" of corporations. A complete article is found at www.workingforchange.com.

MAY 5, 2003

World Venture Partners launches donor collaborative in Seattle
World Venture Partners (WVP) is a newly launched association of individuals in the Seattle area interested in collaborating in support of international projects. Their mission is to inspire and mobilize international engagement and philanthropy. WVP will launch its first grant making cycle this spring, focusing on international water issues. A series of educational sessions are planned to gain general and specialized information about the issue and potential philanthropic responses. Membership is $2,500 per year, plus an additional commitment of $250 for administrative costs. WVP's first meeting of this cycle will take place on May 12th. For more information, please contact Peter Blomquist, at worldventurepartners@hotmail.com.

Mexican lawmakers pass measure to protect women's rights
Mexican women recently gained some ground in the fight for equality with the passage of a law banning discrimination in the workplace and protecting their reproductive and property rights. The law identifies gender inequality in salary, benefits and conditions of employment as discrimination, promotes the right of women to own land and labels as discriminatory acts that hinder women's access to information about reproductive health and contraceptives or that prevent them from deciding on the spacing of their children. For more information go to www.unfoundation.org.

The US ranks second to last among rich nations in how foreign aid actually helps the poor
The current edition of Foreign Policy includes an interesting new index that ranks 21 of the world's richest nations on whether their aid, trade, migration, investment, peacekeeping, and environmental policies help or hurt poor countries. Alas, the US ranks second to last, just ahead of Japan, while the Netherlands ranks first. For the complete article, go to www.foreignpolicy.com.

New ranking of generosity again finds Salt Lake City at the top, New England at the bottom
The Chronicle of Philanthropy has found that residents of Salt Lake City and Detroit give a larger percentage of their income to charity than do people in other metropolitan areas of the US. Analyzing federal tax returns, the study found that Salt Lake City-Ogden residents gave nearly 15% of their discretionary income to charity, while Detroit residents gave 12%. New York and Fort Worth also ranked high. The three least generous metropolitan areas were all in New England: Last place Hartford residents gave 4.7% of their discretionary income to charitable causes. Race and religious participation were cited as major factors. For more, go to philanthropy.com.

IRS clarifies position on auditing of organizations that lobby
At the behest of the Alliance for Justice, the Council on Foundations and other organizations, a meeting was held on April 24 at which Internal Revenue Service officials stated that they were stopping a program that targeted for auditing those charities that reported lobbying activities. IRS officials claimed that the IRS was not examining organizations simply because they had made a 501(h) lobbying election, contrary to concerns raised by some organizations. IRS officials were urged to take strong steps to remind the nonprofit sector that lobbying by charities is legitimate.

APRIL 28, 2003

Sweat-free ordinance declared in Milwaukee
Following in the footsteps of other cities that have implemented similar laws, Milwaukee's leadership has voted to require that apparel for city staff comes only from responsible manufacturers. The ordinance sets standards with regard to wages, compliance with labor law, forced or child labor, freedom of association, termination, and workplace dispute resolution. A copy of the ordinance can be found at www.campaignforlaborrights.org.

Workers in the Dominican Republic win landmark rights
With support from an international solidarity campaigns, workers at BJ&B in the Dominican Republic have won independent union recognition and a union contract. This marks the first time in the history of the Dominican Republic's free trade zones that a collective contract has been negotiated providing for worker wages above the legally mandated minimum wage. For the full story, go to www.campaignforlaborrights.org.

Fundraising for Iraq proves a challenge for some relief groups
According to a report in the Christian Science Monitor, though Americans are giving to emergency relief in Iraq now that the US invasion is nearly complete, it has been more difficult to raise money for Iraq than for other recent humanitarian crises. Relief organizations point to poor information on health, food and water needs and the mainstream media's overwhelming focus on US military personnel and planning rather than on the situation of the Iraqi people. There is some good news, however: an e-mail message sent out by the antiwar group MoveOn.org generated more than $600,000 within six days for Oxfam. For the full story, go to www.csmonitor.com.

APRIL 21, 2003

Water privatization is part of Iraqi relief effort
In the port of Umm Qasr, US military officials have been providing water free to certain locals who are being allowed to sell it. This may be an initial small step in what could be widespread privatization in Iraq. In a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed, the authors argued that "the U.S... would be well advised to put together a team of private sector business leaders as a 'steering committee' to supervise and monitor" economic restructuring. A call for privatization has been issued by the Heritage Foundation and posted on the US State Department's Washington File website. In the UK, the Adam Smith Institute has issued a paper claiming that, "Privatization is a sine qua non for successful reform in Iraq."

USAID to favor for-profit companies in Iraq
The US Agency for International Development says it will tap mainly for-profit companies to "rebuild" Iraq following its destruction by the US, relying on them to execute contracts worth several hundred million dollars to rebuild healthcare, education, and governance institutions. USAID claims that the projects are too large for nonprofit organizations. According to Derish Wolff, chairman of the global engineering firm Louis Berger Group, Inc., "[Nonprofits] have their own agenda, to be loving and caring, and that's very effective in relief work. But it doesn't work for building institutions on a national scale." Kevin Henry, advocacy director of CARE, argues that "Sending private contractors into a country they are not familiar with to spend a huge amount of money in a short amount of time is a classic recipe for a waste of taxpayer funds."

Kucinich proposes a Department of Peace
Presidential hopeful Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, has drafted a bill to establish a Cabinet-level Department of Peace. Domestically, it would address issues like domestic violence, child abuse, and mistreatment of the elderly and take on civil rights, labor law, and hate-crimes prevention. Internationally, it would analyze foreign policy and make recommendations to the President on matters pertaining to national security, including the protection of human rights and the prevention and de-escalation of conflict. Kucinich's bill already has 47 original co-sponsors in the House.

Goldman Environmental Prize winners announced
Seven grassroots activists have been announced as winners of the 14th annual Goldman Environmental Prize, the world's largest award for grassroots environmentalists. This year's prizes were awarded to Odigha Odigha, for his efforts to protect Nigeria's last remaining rainforests; Von Hernandez, for organizing campaigns in the Philippines to ban incinerators that release dioxins; Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, for leading a campaign to halt the damming and rerouting of Spain's last free-flowing rivers; Julia Bonds, for her efforts to stop mountaintop removal coal mining in Appalachia; Maria Elena Foronda Farro, for a campaign to clean up Peru's fishmeal industry; and aboriginal elders Eileen Kampakuta Brown and Eileen Wani Wingfield, for their campaign to block construction of a nuclear waste dump in Australian homeland. For more, go to www.goldmanprize.org.

MARCH 31, 2001

Human rights funders are urged to post on the IHRFG website
The International Human Rights Funders Group recently launched a website that is quickly growing in popularity. Foundations involved in human rights funding are urged to post or update their foundation's funding information on the sites' Funders Database. This on-line database presents information on funding and funders in a uniform format, saving human rights groups around the world much time and anguish in their search for funding. The entire registration process takes just five minutes. To view the new site and to register, go to www.hrfunders.org.

May Department Stores bows to pressure on Burma
After a short but vigorous campaign led by the Free Burma Coalition, May Department Stores (owners of Filenes, Kaufmanns, and Lord and Taylor, among others) has decided not to stock products made in Burma. The two-month campaign was quick and decisive because of the hundreds of calls and thousands of emails received by May Department Stores. May had been one of the only large clothing retailers in the US that continued to sell products made in Burma. Since January 2003, five companies have announced a ban on Burma products, including Saks Incorporated and Mothers Work, the largest US maternity wear retailer. For more information, visit www.freeburmacoalition.org.

Court dismisses suit alleging water pollution from Union Carbide in Bhopal
A federal court in New York has dismissed claims by residents of Bhopal, India that Union Carbide caused massive water pollution of the local water supply. The factory believed to have caused the pollution is the same one that caused the 1984 gas leak that killed thousands of Bhopal residents. The pollution at issue in this case stems from toxic chemicals Carbide left behind. Plaintiffs seek redress and remediation under New York law. In dismissing the case, the Court stated that the named plaintiff was injured too long ago to present a claim and that the organizations that filed suit were not proper representatives of the victims. An appeal is likely.

MARCH 24, 2003

US foundation support for international giving remains unchanged in dollar terms
According to the most recent data, support for international giving, including cross-border grantmaking and funding for international programs in the US, remained almost unchanged in 2001 in dollar terms, at $2.46 billion. As a share of overall foundation funding, however, international giving declined from 16.3 percent in 2000 to 14.7 percent in 2001. Despite the drop, that percentage remained above the roughly 10 percent average seen in the '90s. This information is found in the report "Foundation Giving Trends: Update on Funding Priorities, 2003 Edition," which documents foundation giving priorities based on grants awarded by a sample of over 1,000 of the largest foundations. Available at www.fdncenter.org.

Groups that conduct lobbying are targeted for audits by the IRS
According to the Alliance for Justice (AFJ), the IRS appears to be targeting audits against public charities that lobby. Within the last several weeks, the IRS has informed at least six Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) organizations that the IRS was auditing them, apparently because the organizations reported more than $10,000 in lobbying activity on their annual Form 990 return. Further AFJ conversations with IRS staff confirmed this practice as part of a national project. AFJ has complained to the IRS that the program unfairly targets groups that have elected to use the expenditure test. AFJ expects that the IRS will change this audit practice, as it may discourage groups from accurately reporting their activities to the IRS. For more information, contact the Alliance for Justice, at www.allianceforjustice.org.

MADRE launches site for alternative news on the US invasion of Iraq
MADRE has launched a special section of their website that will be of value to those seeking alternative media reportage of the US invasion of Iraq and opportunities to remain involved. Sections include "Breaking News and Analyses," with selected postings from the alternative media; and "Get Involved," a resource for action, including a "find a demonstration near you" button. Found at www.madre.org.

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