2014 Q2 Board Book (Staff)

The June 19-20th, 2014 Board Meeting, focused on expanding the Foundation's reach and impact through strategic partnerships, convenings, and program development, particularly in the areas of financial inclusion, youth economic opportunities, and education in Africa. The Foundation is also working to build its brand and internal capacity.

Key activities and initiatives include:

1) Financial Inclusion: The Foundation expanded its financial inclusion portfolio, particularly in rural and agricultural sectors, identifying five agriculture partners and four mobile technology partners. The Foundation also participated in convenings focused on branchless banking and savings groups. Additionally, the Foundation announced an expansion of its partnership with Opportunity International to promote access to loans and financial services.

2) Economic Opportunities for Youth: The Foundation is building its Economic Opportunities for Youth initiative by adapting five current projects and partnering with an evaluation and learning organization. A request for proposals process was completed, identifying five finalist consortia.

3) Scholars Program: The Foundation is implementing a management information system and conducting research to study the impact of its Scholars Program. The Foundation hosted its second annual Scholars Convening at the University of British Columbia to celebrate the first graduating class of scholars and strengthen the program's leadership model. The Foundation is also tracking internship and job opportunities for scholars in Africa.

4) Strategic Convenings and Partnerships: The Foundation participated in several global events, including the Clinton Global Initiative University, the Global Philanthropy Forum, and the African Philanthropy Forum. It also launched partnerships with the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) and the Partnership to Strengthen Innovation and Practice in Secondary Education (PSIPSE).

5) Knowledge Sharing and Thought Leadership: The Foundation is developing several branded reports, including a Youth Financial Services Position Paper and an Economic Opportunities for Youth Thematic Review.

6) Internal Development: The Foundation is building its senior management team, rolling out employee development programs, and implementing a people capacity plan.

7) Financial Commitments: The Foundation committed $20.5 million and disbursed $41.7 million, with an additional $125.7 million slated for approval in the second quarter.

8) Program Implementation: The Foundation is working with partners such as TechnoServe, UNCDF and KPMG to implement projects.

The Foundation's activities in the second quarter of 2014 demonstrate a commitment to strategic program development, innovative partnerships, and a focus on learning and impact with a clear emphasis on expanding opportunities for youth and promoting financial inclusion in Africa. The Foundation is also working to strengthen its brand and internal operations.