Three items that came to my attention recently that you REALLY need to read:

First, an AP story about 9/11 nonprofits that raked in millions of dollars – and have nothing to show for that money.

“There are those that spent huge sums on themselves, those that cannot account for the money they received, those that have few results to show for their spending and those that have yet to file required income tax returns. Yet many of the charities continue to raise money in the name of Sept. 11.”

I seethed as I read this. Not only at the reprehensible mismanagement of funds, but also because this will make millions of potential donors say, “I’m not going to give to nonprofits anymore. They cannot be trusted.” ARGH! Here’s advice on what needs to appear on your nonprofit, NGO or charity web site, to show you aren’t like these 9/11 charities.

Second, a piece in the Nonprofit Quarterly by Simone P. Joyaux, about how to measure performance of a fundraiser/donor manager. Absolutely outstanding!

And, finally, something that made me very happy: six paramedics and supervisors from Magen David Adom in Israel (IMDA) attended the International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) course, provided by instructors and doctors from the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS). While both organizations cooperate around emergency ambulance services, this was the first time that PRCS staff served as instructors for IMDA personnel.

These were shared earlier via my Twitter feed:

jcravens42

Would love to have you as a follower. Actually, what I would really love is for someone to tell me exactly how to create a bridge so that all that I tweet gets posted here on my blog…

Tags: transparency, accountability, accountable, scrutiny, accounting, finances, donations, donating, funding, sponsorships, investment, investing, Palestine, Israel, Red, Cross, cooperation