•Contributions to charity are down significantly from 2007, according to Suzanne Coffman, director of communication for GuideStar, which studies philanthropy and provides information on nonprofit organizations.

 Nonprofit organizations reported a 35 percent drop in contributions during the first nine months of the year.

 “It boils down to the economy’s impact on individuals,” Coffman said.

 Charity Navigator, which rates the financial health of charities, reports a decline in giving as well.

 “When the overall economy starts to decline,” said spokeswoman Sandra Miniutti, “we know that giving goes down as well.” (San Antonio Express-News)

•Rhode Island will soon get its first monthly magazine devoted to philanthropy when the online publication Philanthropists’ Journal makes its Web debut Thursday.

 Publisher David F. Guertin Jr. said he founded the magazine — which will be supported by advertising and by parent company Vantage in Philanthropy Inc., a Newport consultant in grantmaking and fundraising — to deliver philanthropic and nonprofit news “that serves the charitable marketplace more profoundly.”

 The magazine can be found at www.philanthropistsjournal.com