Does Prosperity Lead to Charity? Re-visiting the 2014 World Giving Index
Providing a “global view on giving trends” is the aim of the World Giving Index (WGI), the annual report of the Charities Aid Foundation that explores questions defining charitable behaviour across the world. As the release of the 2015 WGI quickly approaches, it is an opportune time to revisit last edition’s most memorable findings. Highlighting… CONTINUE READING >>
Trends in Diaspora Giving and Global Impact
Diaspora giving is not a novel idea or an emerging movement. Recent technological innovations however, have made it easier than ever for donors to support causes in their countries of origin. Historically, it has been common for immigrants and their descendants to maintain close ties to their native communities by sending money to family members… CONTINUE READING >>
Dollars to Rupees: When Diaspora Interests and Corporate Philanthropy Align
Over the past decade, international corporate philanthropy has undergone a significant transformation. Overseas gifts by U.S.-based companies were once made only in the face of natural disasters or violent conflicts. However, the globalization of business and the burgeoning zeitgeist that corporations must not only do well – but also do good – has led influential… CONTINUE READING >>
Cocoa to Commerce: When Challenges Become Opportunities
This piece was originally featured on the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s blog here. A simple paradox has presented itself across the globe in the realm of rural farming: How can smallholder farmers increase their productivity and incomes, when they do not have the financing and training needed to grow a substantial yield in the… CONTINUE READING >>
Searching for the Good in the Migrant & Refugee Crisis
On Thursday, September 24, 2015, Pope Francis addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress for the first time in history, and made a “radical” statement about the dire circumstances that refugees are facing across the world — “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. Yes, that’s right, the Golden Rule…. CONTINUE READING >>
Partnering for Peace: Building Bridges and Burgers to Connect Cultures
We can all stop holding our breath — the much anticipated McWhopper is not going to happen.[1] The proposed jointly- created “peace burger” between Burger King and McDonald’s to celebrate the International Day of Peace on September 21st seems to have eluded us this time around– instead McDonald’s and Burger King… CONTINUE READING >>
Giving in the Spirit of Mandela Day: The State of Charity and Development in South Africa
Ted Hart, CEO – CAF America Nelson Mandela International Day, launched by the UN General Assembly in 2009, is a global call for service inspired by the legacy Nelson Mandela left behind. Celebrated annually on July 18 in honor of Nelson Mandela’s birthday, it is important to remember the message that led to its creation…. CONTINUE READING >>
Africa Leapfrogs its Way to a Long and Prosperous Future
Energy is necessary for the industrialization and economic development of all nations, and according to the World Bank, it is also a key component to reducing poverty. Some 600 million people in Africa still don’t have access to electricity, which means they have limitations on things that industrialized nations take for granted. They don’t have refrigerators to store food, their main activities are mostly limited to daylight hours, and they still have to carry their water and collect wood and other biomass fuels by hand. All of these factors force them to solely focus on their day-to-day survival and restrict their time, their potential to learn, and their ability to develop and work their way out of poverty.
The Changing Landscape of NGOs in China
All eyes have been on China, with one fifth of the world’s population, the second largest economy in the world, and an annual GDP growth rate of ~10%. However, in tandem with such tremendous growth there has been a parallel increase in social and environmental challenges. From excessive coal burning and dangerous levels of pollution (to the point where it is affecting the ability to attract employees in large cities), to huge income disparities and migrant worker challenges as workers flee to the cities to earn a livelihood but do not have the legal right to reside in those cities.
The good news is that the Chinese government is recognizing the important role that nonprofits, and to a lesser extent companies, can play in addressing some of these social issues. There are encouraging signs that the government wants to involve more social resources to resolve social problems together.
We have created a “Top Trends” list based on our knowledge and the experiences of our clients.
The Future: Exploring the Experiences of Refugees Across the Globe (Part 3)
(by Thelmany Khieu)
Practice empathy by taking a moment to consider what it would feel like if you were suddenly forced to flee from your home. What would you do? Where would you go? What would you bring? In the spirit of World Refugee Day, consider taking the opportunity to support the incredible individuals of the world who face their uncertain futures boldly and courageously.
The Present: Exploring the Experiences of Refugees Across the Globe (Part 2)
(by Thelmany Khieu)
Refugees are a very real and current topic of discussion today. Although their stories may lack significant coverage in the press, the reality is that many individuals continue to leave the only home they ever knew to travel to different countries in hopes of asylum. Every individual has a story, and there are many organizations who offer support for these refugees.
The Past: Exploring the Experiences of Refugees Across the Globe (Part 1)
(by Thelmany Khieu)
In honor of this year’s World Refugee Day theme: “1 family apart by war is too many,” I am sharing my father’s own account of how he came to the United States. My father can recite the exact date of his arrival to America: June 29, 1979, as if it were yesterday. He was one out of millions affected by the Khmer Rouge.
#DefeatMalaria on World Malaria Day
Spring! Warm weather, sunshine, flowers, and… mosquitoes. In many parts of the United States, these annoying creatures come sooner than people would like. Fortunately, they’re usually no more than a nuisance. But what do they mean for people in other parts of the world?
Imagine a mosquito. It bites you. You get a bump, it itches, and a few days later it’s gone. That’s it, the end.
Except when it’s not. In many countries, that bite can mean so much more. It can mean malaria- illness, oppressive medical expenses, and death.
However, did you know that malaria is preventable and curable?
World Water Day: 4 Perspectives from Around the Globe
Saturday, March 22nd is World Water Day. Water is a significant part of everyday life, and many people in the developed world might not typically think twice about it. How is water viewed in different contexts around the globe?
