Story Search Results

Advanced Search

There are so many ways to search the solutions journalism stories in this database. Explore our searchable fields:

Search Results

You searched for: -

There are 400 results for your search. View and Refine Your Search Terms

Refurbished Wind Turbines to Power the Developing World at a Profit

Mary Mazzoni

January 30, 2014 |

Triple Pundit |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, Emirate of Abu Dhabi

The commercially-based Wind for Prosperity initiative may have devised a solution to meet growing demands for electricity in developing economies, where fossil fuels are expensive, difficult to access, and take a toll on environmental and human health. The venture works to refurbish wind turbines from Europe and re-deploy them in the developing world, providing clean and affordable power where it’s needed most.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Playing With Toys and Saving Lives

Tina Rosenberg

January 29, 2014 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Nicaragua, Jinotepe, Carazo

Many different people are inventing health devices for resource-poor settings, but some organizations - like M.I.T.’s Little Devices group - are empowering developing communities and increasing access to healthcare by building medical devices that nurses and doctors in very poor settings can adapt themselves — or kits for making their own, often harvesting parts from toys to cleverly rig up medical equipment. It’s part of a major idea shift, one that’s transforming the design of foreign aid.

Read More
Go to Original Story
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.

Read More
Go to Original Story
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.

Read More
Go to Original Story
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.

Read More
Go to Original Story
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.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Does Impact Investing Work? Vital Capital Case Study Shows It Does

Devin Thorpe

June 26, 2013 |

Forbes |

Text |

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.

Read More
Go to Original Story
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.

Read More
Go to Original Story
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.

Read More
Go to Original Story
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.

Read More
Go to Original Story