Philanthropy

The jury trial that pits family-owned Huntsman Corporation against Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank over a multi-billion dollar tortious interference claim will begin on 11 May 2009. The trial relates to the banks’ behaviour in Huntsman’s merger with Hexion Speciality Chemicals.
 
Judge Fred Edwards refused to grant the banks a delay of the trial and denied their request to consolidate Huntsman's claims against Apollo Management, owners of Hexion, with Huntsman’s claims against them.
 

There's an interesting dilemma about successful philanthropy writes Catherine Roe. Just like business, the more discipline and rigour you apply to the way you do it, the more professional you become, and the better your returns will be.

But by applying a business-like approach to your giving, it's possible to become overly focused on short-term, quantitative deliverables. And short-termism is the enemy of long-term change.

Newman's Own, the company started by actor and philanthropist Paul Newman (pictured), who died last Friday, has pledged to continue to donate all profits to charity through the Newman's Own Foundation.
 
Since it started, Newman's Own has generated over $250 million for thousands of charities worldwide. Its motto, "Shameless Exploitation in Pursuit of the Common Good," was defined by Newman from the moment he founded the business with his friend AE Hotchner in 1982.
 

A new website (www.thebiggive.org.uk) aimed at bringing ultra high net worth philanthropists and worthy causes together has hit €1.9 billion (£1.5 billion) funds in postings since launching nine months ago.

Established by philanthropist Alec Reed (pictured), the founder of Reed Recruitment, the site allows charities to list projects that need funding of €6,300 upwards. Around 4,400 charities are currently using the site to promote 3,650 projects.