2015 Q3 Board Book (Staff)

The September 16-17th, 2015 Board Meeting, focused on the Foundation's program expansion, strategic partnerships, and knowledge sharing, while continuing its work in financial inclusion, education, and youth employment, with a significant emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa. The Foundation's online perception remained overwhelmingly positive, driven by its focus on the people it serves and its long-term impact in Africa.

Key activities and initiatives during this period include:

1) Financial Inclusion: The Foundation launched a $35 million Scaling Competition under its Fund for Rural Prosperity initiative, aimed at expanding financial services to smallholder farmers in Africa. It also continued to support projects focused on improving access to finance, particularly through mobile channels, and client data platforms. The Foundation also focused on supporting microfinance institutions (MFIs) through training programs, and client protection initiatives.

2) Youth Livelihoods: The Foundation continued to expand its youth livelihood programs, with a focus on skills training and job placement. The Foundation supported initiatives that provide technical and vocational training, as well as entrepreneurship and life skills. A key focus was placed on integrating e-learning into training programs.

3) Education and Learning: The Foundation continued to support its Scholars Program, enabling academically talented, yet financially disadvantaged students to access quality education. The Foundation also partnered with various universities to provide scholarships and leadership development opportunities. There was also a focus on enhancing curricula and teacher training programs.

4) Strategic Partnerships: The Foundation strengthened its partnerships with various organizations, including the International Labour Organization (ILO), and collaborated with universities, and financial service providers to scale its programs and impact.

5) Knowledge Sharing and Thought Leadership: The Foundation launched a new corporate website with increased functionality and shared its learning and insights through publications and events, including the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Kenya, and the Post-2015 Partnership Platform for Philanthropy in Ghana. The Foundation also contributed to publications focused on microfinance and youth livelihoods.

6) Program Implementation and Evaluation: The Foundation continued to implement various programs across Africa, and conducted research to assess their impact. It also worked to develop standard reporting metrics and improve the availability of quality data.

Overall, the Mastercard Foundation's activities in the third quarter of 2015 demonstrate its commitment to its mission through strategic program implementation, diverse partnerships, and a strong focus on learning and impact. The Foundation continued to focus on increasing access to financial services, educational opportunities, and economic opportunities for youth, with a strong focus on long term impact in Africa.