(This article is based on a recent publication by Education News.) A new federal study released last week revealed that one in 110 8-year-old U.S. children are diagnosed with autism. This study was conducted from a 2006 sample consisting of 307,790 children.

The nonprofit world is seeing an upturn in the use of prizes and cash awards for philanthropic efforts, which in turn is helping spark innovative approaches to solving social problems. Prizes for philanthropic-minded efforts are increasing not only in number, but also in the size of the cash awards; they're also being applied to a broader range of issues than in the past.

There is an awful lot of gloom and doom out there. Your annual fund may not be on target. Others are seeing decreasing participation or decreasing dollars. Others are seeing decreasing participation, but increasing dollars. One thing is certain—the economy is playing havoc with your campaigns. The prospect of a capital campaign seems like a potential disaster.

We know your numbers—the amount you need to raise—are weighing heavily on your mind. But one thing is certain—the economy will rebound. This is a great time to get to know, cultivate, and steward your donors like never before. Why? When the rebound happens, you won't be caught flat-footed. Your donors and prospects will be primed to give as soon as they are ready and able. You need to be involving those donors and prospects in the life of your school now.

New parents are just like new students to your school. They need a warm welcome, an introduction to other parents, and an education on what it really means to be part of an independent school community. They've written their first tuition check, and in a heartbeat, they will be receiving an annual fund solicitation.

The Apple, a Web site "Where Teachers Meet and Learn," is an ongoing source of information, communication, and inspiration for teachers. Among the resources at www.theapple.com are news, lessons, videos, as well as "Ask a Teacher" and "In the Workplace" forums. Recently, the site posted these 10 ways for teachers to boost their job satisfaction and effectiveness in the classroom.

Every day, there are stories in the news that public school districts are forced to cut programs for budgetary reasons. Chances are this has happened in your community. This can be a perfect opportunity to offer after-school, evening, or weekend programs to your community that will introduce your school to a wider audience.

Volunteers form the backbone of many a good fund-raising effort. You appreciate their efforts—why not show them how much with a few of these unique gift ideas?

For many nonprofits (including private-independent schools), the current economic circumstances are particularly hard-hitting—restricted resources may mean that you are less able to help as many people as you would like. To combat this, some nonprofit organizations are experimenting with different ways to reach potential donors and strengthen their bonds with current ones. Here are some tactics you may want to consider.

Your annual report may be one of the most expensive pieces your office produces. With money tight and budgets frozen—or slashed—schools are going online with their reports. You can invest in the message and the design, while reducing or eliminating the high cost of printing and postage. Here are some things to think about before taking the leap that can help control costs in the transition.