2012 Q4 Board Book (Staff)

The December 6-7th, 2012 Board Meeting, focused on the review of the Foundation's programs, planning for the future, and approving new projects that align with its strategic goals. The Foundation focused on expanding access to education and financial services, particularly for disadvantaged youth in Africa, and continued to emphasize learning, evaluation, and strategic partnerships.

Key activities and initiatives in the fourth quarter include:

1) Midterm Reviews: The Foundation conducted midterm reviews of its Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) and Equity Group Foundation (EGF) Wings to Fly programs. These reviews provided a 360-degree perspective on the programs' progress, implementation, and outcomes, and informed future investments. The DOT program was found to be successfully training disadvantaged youth, with 55% of participants securing employment, starting businesses, or continuing their education. The EGF Wings to Fly program was effectively reaching financially disadvantaged students, with a 99% retention rate and 75% achieving a B average or above.

2) Project Approvals: The Foundation approved several new projects totaling $40.3 million, including a $27.4 million grant to McGill University to support the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, a $7.6 million grant to ChildFund to train nurses and midwives in Zambia, a $1 million grant to the American University of Beirut and EARTH University to design a global Master's Program for health and sustainable development, and a $4.3 million grant to the Center for Financial Inclusion to promote client protection in microfinance.

3) Program Planning for 2013: The Foundation developed its 2013 goals, budget, and project pipeline, which included a focus on economic opportunities for youth, scaling access to microfinance, and developing signature programs. The Foundation also planned for convenings to share learnings, build collaborations, and strengthen its reputation.

4) Financial Performance: The Foundation reported that it had committed $415 million and disbursed $100 million in 2012, meeting its disbursement goal.

5) Reputation Building: The Foundation presented a reputation strategy based on findings from a commissioned audit. This included focusing on thought leadership, promoting learning and results, and deepening relationships with stakeholders. The Foundation also established communications guidelines with MasterCard Worldwide to ensure clarity about their independent relationship.

The Mastercard Foundation's activities in the fourth quarter of 2012 demonstrate its commitment to strategic planning, program review, and new initiatives, while also focusing on responsible financial management and enhancing its reputation as a thought leader in microfinance and youth learning.