2014 Q4 Board Book (Staff)

The December 17-18th, 2014 Board Meeting, focused on enhancing the Foundation's reputation, consolidating its learning, and strategically planning for the future, while continuing to expand its programs in financial inclusion, youth economic opportunities, and education, particularly in Africa. The Foundation is also working to strengthen its internal capacity, and is focused on achieving its 2015 goals.

Key activities and initiatives during this quarter include:

1) Reputation and Communications: The Foundation undertook a reputation audit, which revealed that awareness, familiarity and favourability have increased in Africa, but decreased slightly in North America and Europe. The audit also highlighted the importance of ethics and relationships in building trust, and the need for improved communication strategies. The Foundation is responding by focusing on direct partner communications and showcasing its work through a new website.

2) Strategic Planning: The Foundation developed a 2015-2017 strategic plan, which includes a deeper focus on agriculture, technology, and partnerships with African organizations. The Board has emphasized the need to consolidate learning, understand program contexts, and achieve greater depth rather than breadth. The plan also outlines goals to commit $800 million and disburse $710 million over the next three years.

3) Financial Inclusion: The Foundation expanded its financial inclusion portfolio, particularly in rural and agricultural finance. New projects were approved in agriculture, mobile technology, and training, and the Foundation launched the Fund for Rural Prosperity. The Foundation also aims to increase access to formal savings and use of mobile financial services.

4) Economic Opportunities for Youth: The Foundation continued to build its Economic Opportunities for Youth initiative, with new projects approved in agriculture and construction. The Foundation is also focusing on entrepreneurship and skills training for young people.

5) Scholars Program: The Foundation expanded its education program and consolidated the Scholars Program. The Foundation is developing a platform for the Scholars Community and working on transformative leadership programs. New partnerships with African universities were announced.

6) Thought Leadership: The Foundation is working to develop its role as a thought leader, particularly in the areas of youth and financial inclusion. It is doing so by publishing its perspectives, positioning experts at relevant events, and creating opportunities for learning and collaboration with its partners.

7) Convenings and Events: The Foundation hosted the annual Partner Dinner and Presidents Meeting and a Scholars Program Global Partners Event. It also participated in several other global events, including the United Nations General Assembly and Clinton Global Initiative.

8) Internal Development: The Foundation is focused on strengthening its leadership, culture, and internal processes. New positions will be added in research and knowledge management, program management, and IT.

Overall, the Mastercard Foundation's activities in the fourth quarter of 2014 demonstrate its commitment to strategic program development, effective partnerships, and a focus on learning and impact. The Foundation is working to enhance its reputation, deepen its impact in Africa, and strengthen its internal operations, while scaling its programs to increase opportunities for youth and promote financial inclusion.