In many ways, families who have children with special needs are similar to most other families. They share a daily routine, watch movies and eat popcorn on the weekends, and enjoy vacationing together at a beach or camp. All parents want their children to have access to good schools and the best possible healthcare. Most importantly, parents hope…

The legal terrain regarding institutions' rights for use of major charitable gifts has clarified somewhat in recent months. While this may encourage institutional fundraisers, it is also clear that extreme care still must be taken about the acceptance and terms set for use of transformational gifts. As recent lawsuits demonstrate, careful planning…

This guide includes entries for 2,905 foundations and is intended to aid grant-seekers looking for foundation support of higher education. The foundations included hold assets of $1 million or more or give at least $100,000 annually and have expressed a substantial interest in higher education. Preliminary information includes a discussion of the…

The annuity and trust income program (deferred giving) permits donors to give more than they thought they could. Suggestions for establishing and monitoring such programs are offered in this article, which is a condensation of remarks at the National Conference on Trusteeship. (Author/LBH)

This paper chronicles the life of George Peabody, intermingled with anecdotes on how the researchers gathered data in their studies. A brief overview of Peabody's life introduces the paper with a personal narrative of how the authors' search for details on his life began. Both researchers had affiliations with educational institutions resulting…

This brief paper recounts the life of the extraordinary George Peabody, renowned for his educational philanthropy. Peabody is remembered for his wealth amassed as a merchant and banker, yet he also was the founder of modern educational philanthropy that lives on in seven Peabody libraries, the Peabody Conservatory of Music, three Peabody museums,…

A Memphis-based attorney was asked for advice on the ethics of planned giving. The bottom line is that the donor's interests come first. (MLW)

Describes how Iowa State University's mishandling of a bequest of farmland (the land was sold despite a directive that it be maintained by the university) cut to the heart of both its own credibility and the region's source of pride. (EV)

Describes five model philanthropic programs that provide funding to Native American causes. Indicates that Native Americans are creating their own foundations and working as partners with non-Indian philanthropies. Discusses the Seventh Generation Fund, American Indian College Fund, Eagle Staff Fund Collaborative, Montana Community Foundation, and…

Reviews historical trends in U.S. philanthropy toward Native Americans, including the "missionary and chief making era" (1819-1940s), "political leadership era" (1940s-1960s), "issues and rights era" (1960s), "institutional era" (1970s), "self-sufficiency era" (1980s), and present day efforts. Highlights obstacles that prevented the success of…

Planned giving officers represent their institution of higher education, and the best way to represent the institution is to focus on the best intentions of the donor. Failing to consider the donor's needs and wants could lead to loss of institutional credibility, reputation, and financial stability. (MLW)

Offers strategies for teachers of the gifted to increase their budgets through fund development, including annual giving, capital campaigns, endowments, and planned giving, such as irrevocable and revocable charitable gifts. Teachers are urged to do research, follow procedures, get organized, keep accurate records, appoint strong leadership, and…

This report examines the law governing endowment funds in an attempt to determine its bearing on the formulation of a sound university investment policy, i.e. whether the law is a neutral factor, or whether the law limits the flexibility of directors of educational institutions and forecloses choices otherwise open to them. Part I of the report…

Three methods for reporting the value of a deferred gift are described: the tax method, net realizable value, and fair market value. Three major categories of deferred gifts are identified: pooled income funds, charitable remainder trusts, and charitable gift annuities. (MLW)