FLiP News Digest

What’s new in the nonprofit sector?  In this issue of the FLiP news digest, a Mayor declares an international war on smoking, a charity moves one step closer in its fight to eradicate a long-neglected disease, and the IRS cracks down on celebrity “swag.”  Read on for these, and other, headlines gracing the national newspapers this week. 

August 18, 2006

LA Times

Gift Bag Crack Down

The traditional “gift bag” given to VIPs at the big award shows typically includes jewelry, electronics, and clothing. In recent years the value of the gift bag given to the VIPs at the Oscars has approached $100,000. The LA Times reports that, for the first time ever, the increase in publicity surrounding this “swag” has led the IRS to issue an advance warning to celebrities this year: all gifts will be taxable.

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The New York Times

New Tax Rules for Charitable Deductions

New rules for charitable donations, well publicized after President Bush signed them into law yesterday, include much stricter rules on writing off donations of household items such as clothing, furniture, and appliances. The law has positives and negatives for organizations such as Goodwill Industries, which will be burdened with many fewer items that need to be discarded, but will need to spend more money having to screen donations. 

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The Chronicle of Philanthropy

More Than $125-Million Raised for Humanitarian Aid in Middle East

As the media has focused its coverage on the plight of the civilians caught in the middle of the Israel-Lebanon conflict, donations to relief efforts (on both sides of the border) have sky-rocketed. However, the money collected has not been nearly enough. As the media begins to turn its attention from the conflict, will there be enough publicity to help the Lebanese and Israelis rebuild?

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August 15, 2006

The New York Times

Bloomberg Donating $125 Million to Anti-Smoking Efforts

Having already banished smoking from New York bars and restaurants, New York City Mayor (and self-made billionaire), Michael Bloomberg is ready to take on the rest of the world. This $125 million gift has energized a philanthropic cause largely ignored by mainstream philanthropy.

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The New York Times

A Small Charity Takes the Reins in Fighting A Neglected Disease

Most likely identified in the 1960’s, paromomycin might have eradicated Black Fever by now were it not for the fact that there were no anticipated profits associated with its distribution. Black Fever kills an estimated half-million people each year, most of whom live in the poorest areas of the world. Revived by San Francisco charity, The Institute for OneWorld Health, the drug promises to cure Black Fever for a mere $10/patient. If approval is granted this fall, as expected, it will be the first time ever that a charity has successfully brought a drug to market.

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