Poverty

Top 25 Foundations by Amount of Giving Domestic Developing Countries Top 25 Recipients of Foundation Giving Domestic Developing Countries Top 25 Grants Domestic Developing Countries

What are foundations doing?

• Large U.S. foundations committed more than $2.7 billion to alleviate poverty in 2007
• Of the $2.7 billion, 67% was spent domestically
• Giving to combat poverty has more than doubled domestically since 1997 and increased more than 12-fold in developing countries

What are the big questions?

• How is the funding being spent?
• What innovative programs and initiatives are being funded?
• What impact is it having?

Case Studies

Demonstrating effectiveness by measuring success

• Expanding Financial Services in
  Developing Countries
  MicroPlace web service was launched by eBay in 2007 to help people invest in the world’s working poor while earning financial returns. The Calvert Foundation used $16 million in grants from the Omidyar Network and the MacArthur and Rockefeller foundations for start-up costs and a risk capital pool.
• Women and Economic Development in
  Developing Countries
  Rural Development Institute (RDI) works with governments and other partners in Africa and Asia to secure land rights for the rural poor with a focus on women In 2008 the Omidyar Network committed $4.3 million to RDI to expand land rights programs in India.
• Economic Crisis in the U.S.
  Bremer Emergency Fund, funded by the Otto Bremer Foundation distributed $4.2 million to 81 community organizations in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin in support of families and individuals for emergency needs and to retain housing or jobs.
• Business and Job Development in the U.S.
  Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, corporate donors, and private and community foundations, the Women’s Initiative for Self Employment, California offers low-income women training, provides childcare and transportation stipends, low-interest loans, and matched savings accounts.

Foundations Shine Spotlight on Poverty