F.Y.I.

MSNBC summarizes a report on the progress nonprofits are making in disclosing their missions and funding online. According to Guidestar, 9 out 10 nonprofits use the Internet to provide information on their operations. This is helpful for those of us researching nonprofits! You can get the report at http://publications.guidestar.org/ ; you have to submit your email address.

Anya Kamenetz has a great profile of NPR. NPR has recently been recognized as a well-run, well-funded media organization - something of a rarity in these times of print media layoffs and downsizings. In fact, many media outlets are considering adopting NPR's nonprofit model to survive.

Mike Spector reports that arts nonprofits are folding due to lack of funds. Lester Salomon (you might recognize that name) notes that

One reason for the struggles: Some people "think of arts as an unnecessary frill," and discount arts groups' economic and educational contributions to society, says Lester Salamon, director of the Center for Civil Society Studies at Johns Hopkins University. That sentiment was front and center during recent debate over the giant federal economic-stimulus package, when arts funding met opposition.

Tough times for nonprofits, indeed.

Finally, The Center for Responsive Politics has been has been having a field day taking on the AIG bonuses. This report utilizes the Center's database which tracks which politicians get what money from what companies. Very handy stuff!