2013 Q1 Board Book (Staff)

The March 21-22nd, 2013 Board Meeting, focused on the Foundation's commitment to expanding its reach and impact through strategic partnerships and signature programs, while also focusing on knowledge sharing, thought leadership, and building its brand. The Foundation's work is primarily focused on financial inclusion and youth learning, with an emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa.

Key activities and initiatives in the first quarter include:

1) Program Launches & Events: The Foundation launched projects with Camfed in Malawi, and Equity Group Foundation’s Wings to Fly program in Nairobi, which was televised to an estimated 15 million viewers. The Foundation also participated in the Collaboration for Impact convening in Costa Rica, and various conferences and speaking events.

2) Financial Commitments & Disbursements: The Foundation committed $42.7 million and disbursed $64 million in Q1, working towards grantmaking goals of committing $175 million and disbursing $150 million in 2013.

3) Strategic Initiatives: The Foundation continued to develop its signature initiatives, including the Scholars Program and the Leaders for Growth program, with a focus on developing African leadership in the microfinance sector. The Leaders for Growth program is partnering with Wharton Business School to deliver leadership training.

4) Knowledge Sharing: The Foundation released its first brochure and supported the publication of "The New Microfinance Handbook". It also plans to synthesize learnings from partnerships into Foundation-branded publications.

5) Thought Leadership: The Foundation aims to be a thought leader in financial inclusion and youth learning, promoting high-impact programs that create economic opportunities. It is refining its communications strategy to promote its learnings and impact.

6) Media and Communications: The Foundation was featured in various media outlets, including the Financial Times, Washington Post, and Forbes. It is also targeting major media outlets to promote its work and is working to cultivate relationships with journalists.

7) Project Pipeline: The Foundation is developing a pipeline of potential partners, and considering new projects. These include projects with Harambee, SNV, Catholic Relief Services and One Acre Fund. The Foundation is also planning projects related to youth employability and workforce development in microfinance.

8) Focus on Evaluation: The Foundation is using a common evaluation framework for its Scholars Program, and is developing a monitoring and evaluation plan for the Leaders for Growth Program. The Foundation is also undertaking midterm evaluations of several projects relating to economic opportunities for youth.

The Foundation's activities in the first quarter of 2013 reflect a strategic approach to achieving its goals by building partnerships, developing impactful programs, and using its voice as a thought leader in its areas of focus.