2011 Q2 Board Book (Staff)

The June 14th, 2011 Board of Directors meeting focused on grant-making in the areas of youth learning and microfinance, alongside efforts to build the Foundation's reputation and internal capacity. A key theme is the emphasis on strategic partnerships and innovative programs aimed at creating employment and economic opportunities for disadvantaged youth, particularly in Africa.

Key initiatives and developments include:

1) The launch of the "Learn, Earn and Save" Request for Proposals, resulting in the identification of new partners with promising models in the youth learning-microfinance nexus. This led to the recommendation of grants to TechnoServe, CGAP, UNCDF and CRS totaling more than $69 million.

2) Expanding financial literacy programs with the launch of a program in Kenya with the Equity Group Foundation. This launch was attended by high-profile dignitaries and received extensive media coverage.

3) Partnership launches with Camfed in Ghana and BRAC in Uganda to expand microfinance and education initiatives, with both events receiving international coverage.

4) The Foundation is also developing new projects, including those with Ashoka, Save the Children, the University of Waterloo, and the Boulder Institute of Microfinance, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The Board of Directors meeting also included the formal election of Jim Leech to the Board, as well as discussions about director recruitment and the Foundation's communication strategy. The Board also reviewed potential grants totaling more than $69 million, and discussed progress updates on existing programs, including those with BRAC, CARE, Equity Group Foundation, and Making Cents International. The Foundation also participated in global forums such as the Skoll World Forum, the Clinton Global Initiative University and the Global Philanthropy Forum to share knowledge, promote its work and build its reputation. The Board discussed the cancellation of a secondary school scholarship program with the Institute of International Education (IIE) due to a failure to agree on contract terms, as well as the Foundation's focus on building its reputation by aligning internal and external communication activities to its positioning, and by measuring its reputation. These activities indicate the Foundation's dedication to strategic investments in programs to benefit youth and communities around the world, while continuing to develop its internal structures and reputation.