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In Lieu of Money, Toyota Donates Efficiency to New York Charity

Mona El-Naggar

July 26, 2013 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

Instead of following the traditional corporate model of financial philanthropy, Toyota gave its engineers to the Food Bank for New York City: trained in "kaizen" (Japanese for “continuous improvement). The engineers analyzed and improved the Food Bank's distribution systems, greatly increasing the Bank's efficiency and effectiveness in its anti-hunger efforts. By sharing the business model which made its own business thrive, Toyota's partnership with the city demonstrates how public-private collaboration provides a self-reliant, sustainable solution.

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When entrepreneurship is only way forward

Laura Baverman

July 21, 2013 |

USA Today |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Guatemala, Antigua

Development work is evolving beyond short-term mission trips and one-off donations into a more comprehensive, in-depth model that addresses long-term sustainability of a solution paired with empowerment of those being served. MicroConsignment is a unique branch of micro-enterprise being implemented by non-profit SolCom in Guatemala that provides individuals in rural villages the skills and resources needed to start sustainable businesses.

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Summer Reading: How to Shake Up the Status Quo

David Bornstein

July 10, 2013 |

The New York Times |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Boston, Massachusetts

Social innovation rarely comes from “eureka” moments; it’s much more deliberate - it’s something that can be studied and learned. A short summer reading list for anyone interested in shaking up the status quo.

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At Cambodia Hotel, The Workers Are The Boss

Daniel Zwerdling

July 05, 2013 |

NPR |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: Cambodia, Krong Siem Reap, Siem Reap

Overall, Cambodia is a relatively poor country whose residents don't own much. Norwegian hotel owners in the city of Krong Siem Reap urge their Cambodian staff to be more in charge of making their own decisions by making them co-owners of the hotel, an act that forced them to have more confidence and critical thinking skills.

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Does Impact Investing Work? Vital Capital Case Study Shows It Does

Devin Thorpe

June 26, 2013 |

Forbes |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: Angola, Luanda

Everyone wants to eradicate poverty - but how can it actually be done? Vital Capital, an impact investment firm, aims to make change and lift people out of poverty in Angola.

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In Paris's Banlieues, New Recipe for Success Is Local

Liz Alderman

May 14, 2013 |

The New York Times |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: France, Paris

The impoverished communities in Paris had high unemployment for adults and youth. The French government has offered financial incentives to hire people from the banlieues. Talents de Cités, a governmental program, offers cash prizes to young entrepreneurs.

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New Mortgage Program Helps Cambodia's Poor Find Better Homes

Daniel Zwerdling

April 04, 2013 |

NPR |

Radio |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh

An innovative program by an unusual bank allows low-income people in Cambodia to take out a 15-year fixed mortgage with little or no documentation - contradicting traditional loan assumptions and creating means for some of the country's poorest people to completely change their lives. The bank and its investors are now making a profit, and more than 700 mortgages and building loans have been provided.

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Teaching Entrepreneurship

Sarah Lynch

March 04, 2013 |

Al-Fanar Media |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Egypt, Cairo

Teaching entrepreneurship is on the rise in Egypt. American University in Cairo launched the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program in 2010. More than 2,000 students have participated in training's, 40 educators have been trained in teaching the topic, and 400 youth presented ideas in business competitions.

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Putting Charities to the Test

Tina Rosenberg

December 05, 2012 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United Kingdom, Oxford

For most well-meaning donors, it can be difficult to calculate which charities are most effective with their funding - that is those that aim to solve the most serious problems, use interventions that work, employ cost-effective strategies, are competent and honest, and can make good use of each additional dollar. Organizations like GiveWell are part of a new and welcome trend toward rigorous evaluation of social change programs, and helps people best decide where to donate based on what causes matter to them most.

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A Retailer For Free Stuff, Created By Walmart, Saatchi & Saatchi, and Zipcar Vets

Ariel Schwartz

December 04, 2012 |

FastCompany |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, San Francisco, California

Yerdle is a website that allows companies to resell their used and returned items in a way that is helpful for customers and the environment. The three co-founders have experience at ZipCar, Walmart, and the Sierra Club, and they decided to put their business experience to use in finding a creative solution to minimize waste. Yerdle, which is expanding across the United States, helps consumers find affordable products in their region while also minimizing the waste that accompanies new products.

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