Oxfam opens up with Projects Direct

Oxfam has recently launched a new initiative that aims to create a closer connection between supporters and the projects they choose to fund, taking advantage of the internet. Projects Direct is a web-based 'shopfront' that allows current and potential supporters to browse 16 projects that reflect the breadth and depth of Oxfam's work. The initiative came out of conversations with supporters and from other research highlighting supporters' desire to have a closer connection with the people and communities involved in projects, as well as a clearer sense of where their money is going. The site provides clear descriptions, activities and objectives for each project. It also hosts a blog, designed to encourage two-way communication between the supporter and the field.

Stanford opens new philanthropy centre

Carnegie Medal winner stresses continuing need for philanthropy

Eli Broad and representatives of the Heinz, Mellon and Tata families received this year’s Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in October at a ceremony in Pittsburgh, USA, where Carnegie made his fortune. Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata Sons, India, who accepted the award on behalf of his family, reminded the audience that many people live below the poverty line ‘particularly in the part of the world I live in’. At a news conference after the ceremony, he added that more wealthy people around the world should contribute to philanthropic causes and that the extra assistance is particularly needed in developing countries.

Source
www.post-gazette.com/pg/07291/826327-28.stm

CSI company launches toolkit for South African business

South African organization CSI Solutions has published a Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Toolkit to address the practical needs of businesses already involved in CSI or wanting to begin. The focus is mainly on South Africa, but most of the content has a wider application, says the organization. It contains guidelines for practitioners on the process of developing a CSI strategy, and identifying, planning, managing, monitoring and evaluating CSI initiatives. It also discusses questions such as impact, sustainability, forming partnerships, capacity building and communicating CSI activities. It will be available in printed and electronic format.

For more information
www.csisolutions.co.za