What's new in Philanthropy

Articles of interest in philanthropy and nonprofits published in the last 10 days:

1. How SOPA anti-piracy bill could affect nonprofits; Huffingtonpost.com, January 18, 2012
Brief Introduction: A number of high-profile websites, including Wikipedia and Reddit, have shut down Wednesday to protest proposed anti-piracy legislation, and some experts say that nonprofits could benefit from joining the “blackout.”

2. Nonprofits boosting Boston's coffers; Boston.com, January 21, 2012
Brief Introduction: The city’s deep reservoir of nonprofits often do not pay property taxes, but make contributions to compensate the city for the cost of public safety and other municipal services. Their payments usually vary widely, and Menino has consistently called for heftier sums across the board. Last year, city officials established new guidelines asking nonprofits to make payments based on property values. The officials believe the program is the only one of its kind, and say it has drawn national attention for its potential to bolster strained municipal budgets.

3. Philanthropy beat: Million-dollar donations climb; Star Tribune, January 23, 2012
Brief Introduction: The super-rich opened their wallets wider last year, when the number of $1 million-plus donations nationwide nearly doubled over 2010. Gifts of $1 million and more to nonprofits jumped from $3.6 billion in 2010 to $5.4 billion last year, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, which compiled the data.