Global updates
Beldon’s experience adds to spend-out vs perpetuity debate
The Beldon Fund, whose aim was to strengthen environmental organizations and increase awareness of the effect environmental degradation has on human health, has closed, having reached the end of its allotted 10-year lifespan. Initiated by a $100 million endowment gift in 1998 by John Hunting, the foundation's website will remain up and running, providing information about how the fund planned and executed its exit strategy and the lessons it learned over the course of its lifespan.
Global updates
Philanthropic giving by and for women increasing but still small amount of total
Foundation giving specifically to benefit women and girls has grown faster than the rate of overall foundation giving in recent years, while women's funds are a rapidly growing and influential force in philanthropy, says a new report jointly released last month by the Foundation Center and the Women's Funding Network.
Global updates
MacArthur Island latest contribution to exploration of social uses of virtual worlds
The MacArthur Foundation Island opened in May in the virtual world of Second Life. The island is a new laboratory for MacArthur’s two-year exploration of virtual worlds, the user-created 3D communities that allow users to connect with real people from all around the world. Participants engage using avatars, or simulated representations of their physical selves, which they can manipulate using their computer.
Global updates
White House asks Jane Wales to convene meetings on social innovation
Jane Wales, President of the Global Philanthropy Forum and touted as the most powerful woman in philanthropy, has been asked by the White House to hold a series of meetings over the next year to explore how the federal government can work with philanthropists and NGOs to spur social sector innovation.
Global updates
Pears Foundation launches philanthropy promotion partnership
Three of the UK’s leading business schools have launched a partnership to promote a culture of philanthropy among the business leaders of the future. Cranfield School of Management, London Business School and Said Business School have joined forces to establish the Pears Business Schools Partnership.
