NY Times 2008 'Giving' Section

We love the New York Times, not only for its unmatched international coverage, its consistently superior arts, business, and science coverage, and its rockin' Web site, but also because it is virtually the only mainstream media outlet that pays regular, thoughtful attention to the charitable sector.

As part of its coverage of our sector, the Times publishes, at this time of year, a special pullout section on the "business" of giving. For those who don't subscribe to the print edition or may not check the Times' Web site on a regular basis, here's a roundup of articles from this year's Giving section:

Bracing for Lean Times Ahead (Stephanie Strom)
Lead philanthropy reporter Strom looks at how the financial crisis and slowing economy is likely to impact charitable giving.

When the Cupboard Is Bare (David Cay Johnston)
Report on how the slowing economy and increased demand is straining food banks.

Talking Business: Taking Science Personally (Joe Nocera)
Profile of former actor Michael J. Fox and the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which is changing the way Parkinson's research is done.

Veterans Helped by Healing Paws (Karen Jones)
Jones looks at how service dogs are helping disabled veterans recover their sense of independence.

Finding Similarities Among the Differences (John Hanc)
Walking the Walk, a Philadelphia nonprofit, isn't interested in organizing yet another "Kumbaya" moment; it actually fosters greater understanding among high school students of different faiths.

From Debris Pile to New Homes (Ken Belson)
A look at how building-supply companies, environmental groups, and community activists are working to redirect excess inventory and salvaged materials from the dump to people in need.

Building a Better World While Touring It (Hilary Howard)
A growing number of philanthropic travel organizations are teaching Americans how to combine tourism with good works.

In Boston, House Calls for the Homeless (Katie Zezima)
Zezima takes a closer look at Dr. Jim O'Connell's groundbreaking treatment facility for the sick and homeless.

A Matchmaker Finds Patrons for Artists' Work (Jori Finkel)
Profiles United States Artists, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that "has developed a knack for bringing patrons and artists together."

Donations With Dividends, Like Cruises and Puppies (Deborah L. Jacobs)
Jacobs reports that organizations are relying on transaction-based philanthropy to boost their fundraising results in these tough economic times.

Seeking Profits in Nonprofits (Deborah L. Jacobs)
Profiles Jon Carson (cMarket), Kelly Fiore (Charity Folks), and JJ and Ken Ramberg (GoodSearch), social entrepreneurs who are striving to do good while making a profit.

When Charity at Home Begins Abroad (Micheline Maynard)
Maynard reports on mighty Toyota's efforts to pick up the philanthropic slack as the Big Three falter.

In Philadelphia, Grants Nurture New Theater (Julia M. Klein)
Looks at how the local philanthropic community has transformed the City of Brotherly Love into a hot spot for nonprofit theater.

Helping America Keep Its Innovative Edge (Steve Lohr)
Profiles the efforts of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to translate knowledge and entrepreneurship into economic growth and social well-being.

In Crisis, Remote Access (Julie Bick)
Spotlights NetHope, a collaboration of nonprofit organizations and technology companies working to improve communications infrastructure around the world.

For Africa, 'Energy From Dirt' (Cate Doty)
Examines the efforts of Lebone Solutions to develop and spread off-the-grid lighting technologies to rural villages in Africa.

Training to Lead Nonprofits (Cate Doty)
Doty reports that more and more graduates of nonprofit management programs are finding their dream jobs in the charitable sector.

Keeping the Promise to Help Children (Claudia Deutsch)
Looks at the growing reliance of child service organizations on in-kind support to meet the demand for their services.

The Nonprofit’s Guide to Surviving a Downturn (Robin Pogrebin)
Profiles Michael M. Kaiser, president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, whose new book, The Art of the Turnaround: Creating and Maintaining Healthy Arts Organizations, has just been published. (Read the PND review of Kaiser's book here.)

Colleges Struggle to Preserve Financial Aid (Geraldine Fabrikant)
Business reporter Fabrikant looks at what higher education institutions faced with declining endowments are doing to preserve financial aid.

Hospitals Prepare for Bad News (Reed Abelson)
Examines the expected fall-off in funding for health-related organizations and offers advice from the experts.

A Tarnished Capitalism Still Serves Philanthropy (Matthew Bishop)
Bishop, author of the recently published Philanthrocapitalism: How the Rich Can Save the World, argues that in these tough economic times the need for philanthrocapitalism is greater than ever.

Ensuring That Gifts Go Where They’re Needed (Jan M. Rosen)
Looks at what individual donors to international causes can due to ensure that their donations are being used effectively.

Want a Business Plan? Log on for Free Advice (Alan Krauss)
Spotlights a new Web site from the Bridgespan Group that provides an array of free management resources to nonprofit and philanthropic organizations.

As the Economy Declines, Donors Rethink Estate Plans (Deborah L. Jacobs)
Argues that donors should be flexible about their planned gifts.

Foundations Face Pitfalls When Heirs Take Over (J. Alex Tarquinio)
Explores creative solutions that family foundations can use to avoid rifts among family members.

Sweeter Charity: A Word to the Wise Grant Maker (Eugene R. Wilson)
A former president of the ARCO Foundation and senior vice president of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation suggests that humility, transparency, and accountability should be embraced by every grantmaker.

-- Regina Mahone and Mitch Nauffts