Philanthropy

Voluntary efforts or institutions intended to promote human welfare through the giving of time, money or know-how to advance the common good.

Social Change Innovation Grant

FYI: Funding Opportunity

The RGK Center at the University of Texas is looking for college students nationwide who have original entrepreneurial ideas that will transform the world. Dream up a plan that combines creativity and innovation to tackle a pressing social issue, and you can win $50,000 to put your plan into action!

The entry deadline is February 1, 2008**. Please visit the competition website for details on eligibility and entry requirements.

http://www.utexas.edu/lbj/rgk/competition/

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Positions available at Gates foundation - for global library project -- very cool!!

itle: Research Analyst – Global Libraries

Summary
Global Libraries (GL) supports efforts to bridge the digital divide in developing and emerging countries by increasing free access to computers and the Internet in public libraries, and helping to ensure that the technology is useful and used in the local context.

The Global Libraries Research Analyst will support members of the program team by:
• Managing research to identify developing world countries that meet established criteria for the GL program
• Tracking current economic, political, social, and other trends important to inform current grantmaking to existing grantee countries
• Managing information resources for the GL team, especially to act as a contact point for consultants working with GL on research, as well as country and program evaluators
• Tracking information, communications and technology-related development (ICT4D) activities in the field that may be relevant to GL grantmaking
• Tracking other funding initiatives in targeted countries from multi-lateral institutions, foundations or other donors


Responsibilities
• Provide ongoing research, background information and analytical support for the GL program team. Work with the GL Director and Senior Program Officer to:
o Develop, execute, and manage external partnerships and contracts for landscaping analyses
o Manage consultant contracts focused on country research to identify developing countries that meet foundation criteria for investment
o Assist program team in identifying opportunities for the development of strategic alliances and contribute to the development of program area strategies with other foundations, multi-lateral institutions, private sector funders, NGOs, other donors, and/or US and foreign government officials in target countries
o May assist program team with in-country research and analysis in targeted regions to perform due diligence and ongoing tracking of grants

• Identify and engage qualified thought leaders, technical experts, and consultants in priority areas for meetings, technical consultation, review, and other program activities
o Survey current information through literature reviews and other sources related to country grantees to assist program team in tracking relevant economic, social, political and ICT4D trends and developments
o Review literature to synthesize good practices related to implementation and sustainability of global efforts to provide public access to technology and information
o Identify relevant conferences, convenings and meetings for possible program team engagement

• Work with program team to coordinate external evaluation activities and reports with third party evaluation partner and internal foundation Impact, Assessment and Improvement Department
• Coordinate monitoring and internal evaluation activities for portfolio of initiatives, including the dashboard (a framework for tracking progress against approved strategy)
• Assist in developing reviews, briefings, summaries, and informative reports for the Director, President, CEO, and Co-Chairs
• Prepare regular reports and presentations for a variety of purposes and audiences, summarizing developments and recommendations for key program areas
• Work with program team and serve as GL lead for finalization of Sharepoint migration
• Travel occasionally up to 15%


Additional Qualifications:
Qualifications:
• A minimum of 5 years experience in a business analyst role or equivalent ideally with exposure to international and developing world issues
• Demonstrated experience in research and analysis related to business, technology or global development projects
• Demonstrated success in roles requiring logical, systematic thinking while managing multiple priorities in a highly dynamic environment
• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills, in positions requiring communication with a broad and diverse audience
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and show initiative in projects and work assignments
• Experience in a role requiring collaboration in complex internal and external organizations, as well as a demonstrated ability to work with efficiency and diplomacy, particularly as part of a team effort

Reports to:
Director, Global Libraries



How to Apply:
To apply for this position, please visit http://www.gatesfoundation.org/AboutUs/WorkingWithUs/Jobs and submit your resume online.

We are an equal opportunity employer dedicated and focused on diversity.

The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills for this job.  … Read more »

JOB: The Community Technology Foundation of California / Program Officer, Policy

The Community Technology Foundation of California Program Officer, Policy
Posted: May 5, 2006

The Community Technology Foundation of California was established in
1998 to improve access for and build the capacity of underserved communities
to understand, design and use information and communications technology for
community transformation. The foundation realizes its commitment through an

2006 Nonprofit Technology Conference

March 22-24 http://nten.org/ntc

What is the 2006 Nonprofit Technology Conference?

It's the premier conference for the sector and the best opportunity for anyone with an interest in helping nonprofits use technology more effectively to meet colleagues, collaborators, and clients; learn from each other and from leaders in the field; and share information and resources. … Read more »

Evolution of the current nonprofit sector

This week's reading really fascinated me.  I worked in the nonprofit sector for five years without knowing any of this origin-of-the-species background!  We were too busy working to worry about how today's paradigm had come about.  In the sector, I came into contact with a variety of nonprofit organizations as well as foundations, which was always an interesting intersection of missions.

I particularly like the Hansmann economic-type theory that "the inherent 'trustworthiness' of nonprofits overcame the information asymmetries between providers and clients in regard to certain types of public goods" and that "the character of these goods, which precluded providers from fully capturing the benefits of selling them and purchasers the benefits of exclusive ownership."  That's very pie-in-the-sky to say about institutions in general, but in my exposure to early twenty-first century nonprofit organizations,  it seemed fairly true of the organizations I've encountered.

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