Philanthropy Friday: good news in tough times

I thought that a good way to wrap up the week would be to provide you with some positive information on my new-found-friend, philanthropy. Check out some of the good things happening in the world of giving:

Charities Can Expect New Regulations and Increased Giving in an Obama Administration (11/5)- Charity leaders can expect President-elect Barack Obama and Congress to push for changes in the federal tax structure that could spur giving and add new regulations for charities and donors, tax experts say.

Wal-Mart Foundation Awards $3.6 Million for Veterans' Higher Education (11/11) - In celebration of Veteran’s Day, the Wal-Mart Foundation in Bentonville, Arkansas, has awarded a total of $3.6 million in grants to twelve organizations to support programs that offer educational assistance for veterans.

Gates Foundation Announces Expanded Education Grantmaking (11/13) - The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has unveiled several new education initiatives designed to build on its previous work in high schools, the Seattle Times reports.

Fidelity fund nears two-millionth gift (11/14) - The charitable-gift fund also lowered its minimum-gift amount and launched a new program, efforts aimed at broadening giving during the economic crisis.

Gates Foundation Awards $2 Million to International Center for Journalists (11/28) - The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) has announced a $2 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to establish a fellowship program that will work to improve news coverage of critical development issues in sub-Saharan Africa such as agriculture, microfinance, sanitation, and employment.

NexGen Givers (12/1) - Behind the dreary headlines is a surprisingly encouraging trend that is taking hold: A new generation of donors is moving into place -- an energetic and highly creative crowd that eventually could reshape philanthropy.

National Christian Foundation sees jump in donations (12/2) - Though the economy has prompted many U.S. donors to tighten their belts, the National Christian Foundation has seen a 27 percent increase in contributions since last year.

Companies Increased Giving Last Year, SurveyFind (12/4) - Corporations increased their giving last year despite a mixed economic climate, according to a new report from the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, in New York.

Resources aimed at helping non-profits (12/5) - The Nonprofit Economic Vitality Center, a free online tool created by the National Council of Nonprofits, aims to help nonprofits navigate the economic crisis.