A New Canadian Stereotype Worth Having: L’esprit de Générosité
O, Canada. There are many things that come to mind when people hear your name. A list of common stereotypes about Canadians could follow this sentence, but instead of rehashing tired generalizations, how about adding a new one? After all, not all stereotypes are negative. With the release of the 2015 World Giving Index (WGI),… CONTINUE READING >>
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 >>
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 >>
Giving to Mexico? Understanding the Effect of Anti-Money Laundering Laws on Charitable Giving
The Federal Law for the Prevention and Identification of Operations with Illegally Acquired Funds is Mexico’s law regulating anti-money laundering. The law, in effect since September 1, 2013, was largely enacted to protect the national economy of Mexico from the financial losses and illegal activities stemming from money laundering that had been escalating in the… CONTINUE READING >>
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.
