Gives New Meaning to the Gift That Keeps on Giving

The challenge for the Des Moines Public Library Foundation Board, of course, is to quickly restore confidence with its donor base as well as the community at large. This letter is a good first step. If I were a donor, however, I'd be eager to read the follow-up correspondence describing the "more stringent checks and balances" that will be implemented.

Ex-aide allegedly stole from Des Moines library foundation.  (Des Moines Register, 12/3/2012)

Stephen Haider, former Foundation executive assistant, accused of charging $18,550 in unauthorized expenses to the nonprofit’s credit card for restaurant, bar, cellphone and limousine expenses.

Announcement of Dory Briles as Foundation Executive Director, effective 4/12/2012.  You have to feel some sympathy for Dory at the timing of this bad news.

Among other activities and events, the Foundation sponsors the annual Iowa Author Awards.

Iowa Council of Foundations.  A membership based organization that serves grantmakers that provide funding to support charitable projects and programs in Iowa.

Donors Forum of Wisconsin.  A regional association of grantmakers who support and promote effective philanthropy through membership, professional development and information sharing. Comprised of innovative, dynamic, engaged members

Council of Foundations.  A national nonprofit association of more than 1,700 grantmaking foundations and corporations.

The Council of Foundations provides this 1-page review of Philanthropy in Wisconsin.

The Marquette University Funding Information Center just announced the publication (print and online) of the 31st edition of Foundation in Wisconsin: A Directory.  Click on demo to sample the online version.

The Grantsmanship Center.  Top Giving Foundations: Wisconsin.