Charity

Some people in the field of grant giving now believe charities can improve their social returns by becoming investors, not just donors. It's an idea called mission investing. Mark Kramer, founder of FSG Consulting, explains it to Kai Ryssdal.

Foundations control about $550 billion worth of charitable assets in the United States. In the next installment of our philanthropy series, we look at how many foundations have taken a page from the for-profit handbook. Ashley Milne-Tyte reports.

Charities are making it easier than ever to give by dropping a dollar at the check-out stand or including a donation in a product's purchase price. Philanthropy consultant Lucy Bernholz tells Kai Ryssdal about the concept called embedded giving.

A small group of banks will be giving customers the option to charge an extra penny on their credit card to donate to United Way of America. Jeremy Hobson reports why pennies could amount to more than nickels.

Italy's tartufo mushrooms, also known as white truffles, are a precious and highly sought-after food. And the biggest one found in 50 years could net around $200,000 at an auction. Megan Williams has more.

Efficient software might not seem like a priority item for a shelter, but having organized data is important for managing resources. Janet Babin reports on a helpful donation to a North Carolina shelter.

Since Goldman Sachs has managed to evade a lot of the market trouble caused from subprime, they're giving back with a new billion-dollar charitable fund. Amy Scott reports it's also an effective way to avoid criticism.

Food banks across the country say they're struggling with a lack of donations and more hungry people to feed. Alisa Roth explains why.

Wall Street is the last thing you'd think a nonprofit involved with charities would want to emulate. But Jill Barshay reports one company is using stock-exchange mentality to keep giving organizations in line.