Internet Access for All: A Funder's Push for a Better-Connected World

Internet Access for All: A Funder's Push for a Better-Connected World

With half the world's population still lacking Internet access, Microsoft Philanthropies is giving grants to get more people online—and reap the economic benefits from being plugged into the web. 

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Beyond Relief: A Corporate Funder Steps Up for Global Diversity and Inclusion

Beyond Relief: A Corporate Funder Steps Up for Global Diversity and Inclusion

The UPS Foundation is pretty well known in disaster relief and humanitarian aid circles. Now, though, it's becoming a player in the global diversity and inclusion space. Who's getting grants? 

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If You're Not Paying Attention to Red Nose Day Yet, You Should Be

If You're Not Paying Attention to Red Nose Day Yet, You Should Be

The U.S. didn’t launch its own version of Red Nose Day through Comic Relief until recently, but the haul from this fundraising effort against global poverty has soared quickly, including this year. 

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Technology for the People: What's Microsoft Philanthropies Been Up To?

Technology for the People: What's Microsoft Philanthropies Been Up To?

The tech giant's revamped philanthropic arm is on a mission to “Empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.” Which means what, exactly? 

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A Small Funder With an Equity Lens: What’s the New RG Foundation Up To?

A Small Funder With an Equity Lens: What’s the New RG Foundation Up To?

With a particular focus on women, girls and minorities, the RG Foundation was recently formed by an entrepreneur looking to address a range of issues in developing countries. 

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An Underlying Problem: But Can Philanthropy Help Close the "Global Trust Deficit?"

An Underlying Problem: But Can Philanthropy Help Close the "Global Trust Deficit?"

As a top funder moves to pour millions into investigative journalism and accountability efforts worldwide, we wonder if this kind of work can backfire and further fuel public cynicism about key institutions.

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Bending the Learning Curve: Google.org’s Latest Commitment to Education Technology

Bending the Learning Curve: Google.org’s Latest Commitment to Education Technology

Access to education in poor countries is hindered by a lack of teachers and teaching materials. Tech funders are tantalized by the potential of digital devices and platforms to fill these gaps.

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What's Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies Up To Lately? Helping African Farmers, For One Thing

What's Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies Up To Lately? Helping African Farmers, For One Thing

While this quiet giant doesn't draw attention to how it operates, MACP tends to be super-deliberative when it moves into new areas. We look at what it's doing in West Africa's Sahel region. 

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Coca-Cola’s Global Giving Stays The Course: Water, Women, and Well-Being

Coca-Cola’s Global Giving Stays The Course: Water, Women, and Well-Being

A few years ago, Coca-Cola and the Coca-Cola Foundation announced that they would be narrowing their giving—which totals over $100 million annually—to three key areas. How's that playing out? 

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The Citi Foundation's Global Push on Youth, Skills, and Jobs

The Citi Foundation's Global Push on Youth, Skills, and Jobs

The Citi Foundation has doubled its financial commitment to its Pathways to Progress program and expanded it to include global cities. Here's where it’s going.

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Have Novel Solutions to Intersecting Global Challenges? Talk to These Folks

Have Novel Solutions to Intersecting Global Challenges? Talk to These Folks

The GHR Foundation and OpenIdeo have launched a $1 million BridgeBuilder Challenge, shining a spotlight on the intersections of many of the most pressing global health and development challenges.

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The Critical Country: Foundations and the Struggle for Nigeria

The Critical Country: Foundations and the Struggle for Nigeria

Nigeria is Africa's most populous country and a key to the continent's future. Which is why U.S. foundations are investing ever more heavily here. Who's on the scene? 

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The Final Countdown: Where are MetLife’s Financial Inclusion Grants Landing?

The Final Countdown: Where are MetLife’s Financial Inclusion Grants Landing?

In 2013, the MetLife Foundation made a $200 million commitment to advance global financial inclusion. With $100 million left to move, where is the money going? 

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Keep It Flowing: A Look at a Big Hilton Give for WASH

Keep It Flowing: A Look at a Big Hilton Give for WASH

The Hilton Foundation has been a stalwart funder in the WASH world for years. Where's it sending grants now, as it gets going with a new funding strategy?

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What We’re Learning About MacArthur’s Philanthropy Powerball Experiment

What We’re Learning About MacArthur’s Philanthropy Powerball Experiment

There’s a lot to like about MacArthur’s 100&Change program, including its eight inspiring semifinalists. But just how "big" are these bets? And can $100 million truly solve a major problem?

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Why Is the Omidyar Network So Focused on Land Rights? Ask the Cocoa Farmers of Ghana

Why Is the Omidyar Network So Focused on Land Rights? Ask the Cocoa Farmers of Ghana

Cocoa farmers in Ghana make under a dollar a day and pour their sweat equity into land over which they often have no legal title. Can a technological solution change their lives? 

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Here's Another Powerful Player Focusing on Digital "New Collar" Jobs in Africa

Here's Another Powerful Player Focusing on Digital "New Collar" Jobs in Africa

IBM has been on a campaign to support the 21st century workforce, and it has just committed some serious resources to this effort in Africa, joining other funders on the scene.

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Four Questions About the Future of Gates Philanthropy

Four Questions About the Future of Gates Philanthropy

The latest annual letter by Bill and Melinda Gates leaves key questions unanswered about where Gates giving might go from here. With $185 billion in play, what might the future hold? 

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Why This Collaborative Wants Philanthropy to Stop Funding Orphanages

Why This Collaborative Wants Philanthropy to Stop Funding Orphanages

There are 132 million orphans in the developing world, and a growing number of them live in institutions. But some funders are pushing back, stressing the advantages of family and community care. 

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Access to Clean Energy Offers a World of Benefits. Funders Are Paying Attention in Different Ways

Access to Clean Energy Offers a World of Benefits. Funders Are Paying Attention in Different Ways

Access to energy is a linchpin of advancing sustainable global development forward. Some funders invest capital, others focus on grants. Among the companies raking in the former is d.light. 

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