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Winter 2010
Resources & Links
Activities, Web sites and other cutting-edge information for global givers
Venture Philanthropy Knowledge Centre launched
European Venture Philanthropy Association announced plans to launch the EVPA Knowledge Center, with €500,000 of financial backing from Fondazione CRT, Noaber Foundation, Invest for Children, and Natixis Private Equity. Association Chairman Serge Raicher stated that “[t]his is possibly the most important European initiative in the field of VP since the creation of EVPA itself five years ago.” (European Venture Philanthropy Association Press Release, November 13, 2009)
Design thinking for philanthropists and business leaders
In his recently-published book Change by Design, Tim Brown, head of design consultancy IDEO, asserts that thinking like a designer – “design thinking” – can benefit businesses and philanthropies that are too often focused on predictability and quality control, leading to “analysis paralysis.” Design thinking finds solutions using an open-minded, holistic approach, instead of a technical, incremental one. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has partnered with IDEO to develop a “human-centered design toolkit” to help charities develop new programs in collaboration with local communities. As an example, VisionSpring, an American charity that sells inexpensive reading glasses to the poor, used the toolkit to adapt its vision tests so that children would be less intimidated by the exams. To purchase Change by Design, visit www.ideo.com/cbd. (The Economist Business.view, December 8, 2009)
Ireland Funds launch guide to new philanthropic environment
The Ireland Funds’ Philanthropy and Fundraising Toolkit was released in October 2009 as a guide to the new era of philanthropy. The guide identifies trends and challenges in the world of philanthropy, in addition to examining its historical legacy. The toolkit provides articles on topics such as engaging corporate support, creating new value through innovation, mergers in the non-profit sector, and successful operations with nonprofit organizations. (Philanthropy UK, November 11, 2009)
© 2010 The Synergos Institute
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