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Message from the Chief Executive Creating Generations of Givers The face of philanthropy is changing. Sustainability, strategy and innovation are some of the key words that are beginning to form the new language of giving. Increasingly, these changes have become a testament to the generational shifts that have occurred within the giving community, as well as the global phenomena that have affected the current crop of philanthropists. As next generation philanthropists prepare to take over the helm of philanthropic organizations all over the region, we tried to get a sneak peek into their leadership styles, perspectives and own brand of innovation - all of which, we are certain, will contribute significantly to the landscape of giving in the Asia Pacific and beyond. This issue also showcases some helpful information on how young people can be more engaged in philanthropic work: we provide a list of ideas on how to be involved in foundation work, some links to organizations that work with young funders, and new publications on how your giving can achieve significant social change. We hope you enjoy this issue. Happy reading! Rory Francisco-Tolentino
APPC chats with young philanthropists in Manila
To help families refine their chosen activities according to the interests, values, and beliefs of their younger members, and to connect these young people to a larger network of peers facing the same challenges and opportunities, APPC is planning to conduct a capacity-building and networking event for next generation philanthropists in the region. In preparation for this event, APPC sought out some young philanthropists in Manila and engaged them in conversations about their involvement in their family's work in business and philanthropy, as well as their own thoughts about sharing their resources, being different and making a difference. As of this writing, APPC has spoken with Caroline Tan, whose father Tony Tan heads Jollibee Foods Corporation, one of the largest fast food chains in the Philippines, and whose mother Grace Tan heads the Jollibee Foundation, their corporate philanthropy arm. We also had a lively discussion with Ian King and Geovy King, whose grandfather heads the foundation that is also his namesake, the Angelo King Foundation. Lastly, we were also able to have a chat with Ana Aboitiz, whose great-grandfather founded the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. We share in detail our enlightening interviews with these young entrepreneur/philanthropists in our Perspectives section, and hope that you enjoy hearing about them as much as we did. APPC hopes to engage more young philanthropists in similar discussions in the weeks to come.
Citibank and YMCA Singapore launch Youth for Causes 2007
As most of the teams do not have prior experience in organizing social entrepreneurship events, they will be given training through the YMCA-NUS Business School Volunteer Service Management Programme, the first training course for the social service sector certified by a recognized local university. A mentor will also be attached to each team to provide guidance throughout their project. Here's how it works: 1. Youth groups interested in participating in the Citibank-YMCA Youth For Causes programme are asked to come up with innovative project proposals for using seed money of S$1,600.00 per group to benefit a Singapore-registered voluntary welfare organization (VWO) of their choice 2. Once chosen, each qualifying youth group will be assigned a mentor from Citibank or YMCA of Singapore on top of their S$1,600.00 grant. 3. The projects by the qualifying youth groups must be implemented and completed within a 16-week timeframe from 21 May to 1 Sept 2007. Since YFC's pilot launch, the Citigroup Foundation has quadrupled its 'seed funding' for the programme to from S$40,000 to S$160,000. The programme is reinforced by a mentorship initiative, where project teams are guided by working professionals from Citibank and YMCA of Singapore. For more information, visit www.youthforcauses.com.
GKP runs the Youth Social Enterprise Initiative (YSEI), a programme dedicated to young social entrepreneurs that offers support in the four key areas of knowledge, networking, mentorship and financing. The Forum is designed for young people who are interested in using knowledge and information and communications technology (ICT) to make a positive social impact, ultimately shaping a better life for their communities. It hopes to serve as a venue for them to pool their knowledge and experiences, as most of the panel discussions will be designed and participated in by young social entrepreneurs themselves. The Forum has also invited several funding organizations, private sector, government and civil society representatives. It is hoped that by doing this, the Forum will be able to provide a platform for young social entrepreneurs to 'pitch' their project ideas to experts and to secure funding. For more information, visit www.ysei.org
Former APPC Board Member appointed Thai Deputy Prime Minister
Under Paiboon's leadership, philanthropy and volunteerism are poised to become significant components of the government's national agenda. Sukich Udindu, another APPC Board Member reports that the government has also established a National Center for Giving and Volunteerism (NCGV) to provide a mechanism for this national initiative. Other related developments in Thailand include: - The launching of the CSR support center, in coordination with the Ministry of Human Security and Social Development and the newly-established National Center for Giving and Volunteerism
"The growth of global philanthropy is obvious - in interest, engagement, and need. But the importance of these Principles is their commitment to enhancing the impact, and effectiveness of such giving," said Steve Gunderson, president and CEO of the Council on Foundations. "These principles represent the best standards developed by the most experienced philanthropic leaders in both Europe and the United States. They should serve as a guide for all international giving strategies." The impetus for the Principles grew from the understanding that cross-border philanthropy can be more challenging and complex than domestic grantmaking because of differences in culture and language as well as legal and accounting systems. Understanding the context in which your international grants will be made, respecting cultural differences and local knowledge, listening carefully to international grantees and partners, and responding to their needs and realities rather than imposing your own agenda are among the good accountability practices highlighted in the Principles. You may download a copy of the Principles from www.cof.org.
Today, the Medals are given every two years to honor families and individuals from around the world who, like Andrew Carnegie, have dedicated their private wealth to the public good and who have sustained their philanthropic activities. "The impact this year's Laureates have had on the well being of families around the world has taken philanthropy to new heights for commitment, daring and vision," said Vartan Gregorian, president of Carnegie Corporation of New York and chair of the executive selection committee. "These philanthropists have used far more than their collective wealth to introduce change. They have put their conviction and courage to work embracing seemingly impossible challenges that many others have avoided." According to the Carnegie website, the Tata family "gives away between eight and 14 percent of the net profits from its controlling company each year to myriad causes: science, medicine, social services, health, civil society and governance, rural welfare, performing arts, education and the needs of children. Tata family funding has established pioneering institutions in social sciences, cancer research and treatment and tropical disease research. The family's philosophy of "constructive philanthropy" has become embedded in its businesses, and has played a role in changing the traditional concept of charity throughout India. The Tata family is considered one of the few philanthropic forces in the country with the potential to facilitate collaborative action on the problems that threaten individual, local and national development." Mr. Ratan Tata a strong proponent of corporate social responsibility, will accept the Award on behalf of the family.
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