Philanthropy Month & the Giving Season: Why I Still Celebrate

By Melinda McKee

November 22, 2011

Every year, I ask myself: When we contribute to the giving-themed conversation alongside the department store promotions, the reminders to donate before the tax deduction window closes, and the overflowing banter of well-meaning-but-once-a-year soup kitchen volunteers, are we diminishing the power of NCGives’ message?

In other words, are we perpetuating the detrimental stereotype that giving only happens (or needs to happen) two months out of the year?

2011 NC Youth Giving Summit Recap

By Melinda McKee

November 11, 2011

Last month, more than 200 high school-aged youth from across the state came together to attend the Sixth Annual North Carolina Youth Giving Summit. This year, to make the Summit more geographically accessible, two separate events were held on two different days (one in Greenville, and one in Winston-Salem).

American Indian Giving At-A-Glance

By Melinda McKee

November 04, 2011

In honor of American Indian Heritage Month, we're sharing our one-page fact sheet about the giving heritage among the native community, including examples from North Carolina. We hope you find it useful in your communities!

Gov. Perdue Declares November “Philanthropy Month” in North Carolina

By Melinda McKee

October 26, 2011

Editor's Note: Our governor recently issued this proclamation in recognition of the many folks (like you!) whose giving is the glue holding our communities together. Over the next few weeks, we ask you to really notice, celebrate and encourage the giving going on all around you...and to remember its importance not just this month, but all throughout the year. As author Nathaniel Hawthorne once said, "Generosity is the flower of justice."

RALEIGH/STATEWIDE - At the request of NCGives, Governor Bev Perdue has issued a proclamation designating November as Philanthropy Month in North Carolina, a first in the history of the state. (Click here to access a PDF scan of the original proclamation.)

Now Available: ‘Giving Back’ Reframes Portraits of Philanthropy

By Melinda McKee

October 04, 2011

After 54 months of effort, a poignant book project from North Carolina giving circle New Generation of African American Philanthropists is now available in bookstores.

Four (Not) Stupid Questions About Philanthropy

By Melinda McKee

September 28, 2011

Today is nationally (albeit unofficially) known as “Ask A Stupid Question Day,” a liberating chance to put forth your inquiries without fear of embarrassment. Well, we don't think any of your questions are "stupid" (seriously!), but in the spirit of the day, here are our answers to a few of the most obvious questions in NCGives' world:

Are You Teaching Your Tykes to Give?

By Melinda McKee

September 19, 2011

 Over here, we're big fans of teaching children to be givers as early as possible, in all aspects of time, talent and treasure. (Check out these five posts.)

That's why we love this blog post by Meg Buckingham, Relationship Manager for United Way of the Greater Triangle. Meg talks about introducing the concepts of saving, spending, donating money and investing to her little four-year-old...showing that it's never too early to encourage kids to give.

September 11: How Giving Has Changed, and How You Can Help

By Melinda McKee

September 08, 2011

As our nation reflects on this 10th anniversary of 9/11, it's no surprise to hear that the tragic event led to an unprecedented outpouring of generosity. Read on for a look at how 9/11 changed the conventional philanthropic landscape of our nation -- plus, how you can help honor those we lost, from right here in North Carolina.

Local Generosity Is Music to Their Ears

August 24, 2011

Last week, we shared a story about a Cumberland County artist who donates art supplies to local schools, remembering that supplies were hard to come by when she was a child.

Today we bring you Hillsborough pawn shop owner Bob Moulton, a musician since his middle school days, who is donating instruments to Wake, Orange and Durham County school districts.