Investing with a mission

Dec 12, 2007
Some people in the field of grant giving now believe charities can improve their social returns by becoming investors, not just donors. It's an idea called mission investing. Mark Kramer, founder of FSG Consulting, explains it to Kai Ryssdal.

For-profit lessons for nonprofit giving

Dec 12, 2007
Foundations control about $550 billion worth of charitable assets in the United States. In the next installment of our philanthropy series, we look at how many foundations have taken a page from the for-profit handbook. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.

'Embedded giving' good for the taking

Dec 11, 2007
Charities are making it easier than ever to give by dropping a dollar at the check-out stand or including a donation in a product's purchase price. Philanthropy consultant Lucy Bernholz tells Kai Ryssdal about the concept called embedded giving.

A penny donated is one not missed

Dec 11, 2007
A small group of banks will be giving customers the option to charge an extra penny on their credit card to donate to United Way of America. Jeremy Hobson reports why pennies could amount to more than nickels.

Heavy price to pay for a mushroom

Nov 30, 2007
Italy's tartufo mushrooms, also known as white truffles, are a precious and highly sought-after food. And the biggest one found in 50 years could net around $200,000 at an auction. Megan Williams has more.

Software the homeless can count on

Nov 23, 2007
Efficient software might not seem like a priority item for a shelter, but having organized data is important for managing resources. Janet Babin reports on a helpful donation to a North Carolina shelter.

Avoiding subprime, but not charity

Nov 22, 2007
Since Goldman Sachs has managed to evade a lot of the market trouble caused from subprime, they're giving back with a new billion-dollar charitable fund. Amy Scott reports it's also an effective way to avoid criticism.

For public good, not for profit.

Food banks: Less supply, more demand

Nov 19, 2007
Food banks across the country say they're struggling with a lack of donations and more hungry people to feed. Alisa Roth explains why.

Online giving, big impact

Nov 15, 2007
Today is National Philanthropy Day, and Americans are giving in record amounts, thanks to the ease of online donating. Stacey Vanek-Smith looks into how a lot of small contributions count.
Charitable giving
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Wall Street donates its wisdom

Nov 2, 2007
Wall Street is the last thing you'd think a nonprofit involved with charities would want to emulate. But Jill Barshay reports one company is using stock-exchange mentality to keep giving organizations in line.