“Compassion Counts More Than Ever” (from Parade Magazine)

March 09, 2010

America is in the midst of a boom--and one that is benefiting and bonding us all. "During past tough economic times, there was a decrease in volunteering," says Patrick Corvington, CEO of the federal Corporation for National and Community Service. "But today there's a 'compassion boom' of people helping others." An exclusive new PARADE poll shows how and why so many Americans are working to improve our communities and the world.

Local giving circle reaches milestone; Raleigh nonprofit conference on 3/29

March 02, 2010

• The Women's Giving Circle of Fayetteville has grown to over 100 members, and they have recently launched into their second year of grantmaking.

Haiti calls for aid; North Carolina responds

By Melinda Pearce

January 15, 2010

The world is answering the cries for help in Haiti, and North Carolinians are no exception. In addition to North Carolina-based troops that are already arriving in the earthquake-devastated nation, many individuals and organizations are responding quickly with compassion and generosity. Here's an idea of what's going on around our state:

CHARLOTTE - Local service organization Kiwanis Uptown is hosting a fundraiser party tonight; proceeds will go to The Billy Graham World Emergency Fund. Learn More

RALEIGH -

• Several local musicians and restaurants have banded together to hold a fundraising event this Sunday (1/17) in downtown Raleigh; proceeds will go to the Raleigh-based Hope for Haiti Foundation. Learn More

North Carolina Giving Contest Winners

By Melinda Pearce

January 13, 2010

Congratulations, Jeannette Butterworth and Jill Tefft!

Late last year, NCGives held the "North Carolina Giving Contest" in conjunction with the broadcast of our documentary on UNC-TV. Our first prize winner, Jeannette Butterworth of Hendersonville, received a Flip Video Camera, plus $100 donated to a charity of choice, which she gave to the Center for Participatory Change in Asheville. Our second prize winner, Jill Tefft of Wilmington, won $100 donated to a charity of choice, for which she chose the Good Shepherd Center in Wilmington.

Horizontal Giving/Philanthropy of Community gains attention in NC and beyond

By Melinda Pearce

January 12, 2010

NCGives partner Center for Participatory Change (of western NC) recently received national attention for their research study on “Horizontal Philanthropy,” which explores the giving that occurs between friends and family in North Carolina communities.

“Last-minute recruit gets Women’s Giving Circle a bonus” (from the Fayetteville Observer)

January 11, 2010

For the Women's Giving Circle of Fayetteville, one last-minute recruit led to a lot of money.

The group of women who pool their money to help the needy welcomed its 100th member on New Year's Eve. Their reward: a doubling of their available funds through the Cumberland Community Foundation.

Young philanthropists webinar tomorrow

January 11, 2010

Eric Rowles of NCGives partner Leading To Change is conducting a webinar tomorrow (Tuesday) on how social media is changing the way that people, specifically teens, "give" philanthropically. Eric is taking a quick survey - how have you seen today's young people give either their time, talent or treasure through social media? Respond by Tuesday morning to info@leadingtochange.com. (And there's still time to register for the webinar!)

“Dime Time” program in Cumberland County engages elementary kids in philanthropy

By Melinda Pearce

January 08, 2010

The E. E. Smith Giving Circle, founded with support from NCGives and the Cumberland Community Foundation, recently partnered with the Lucile Souders Elementary School of Math and Science to teach kids about philanthropy. The giving circle ( which was created to improve local math and science outcomes through awareness and philanthropic efforts) offered to match a dollar for every dime collected, up to $2,000. The children went above and beyond the match, raising $1,943.40 in dimes.

“Mystery couple starts ‘magical’ chain reaction” (from NBC)

December 14, 2009

We usually post about giving in North Carolina, but this was such a neat story we had to share it with you! ~~

"For five hours, strangers bought each other meals at a Philly diner.  It played like a scene from a holiday movie -- a mystery couple, who didn’t leave their names or numbers, walked into a restaurant, finished their meal and then set-off a chain reaction of generosity that lasted for hours.