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Philanthropy, Responsible Investing
Gratitude: The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Expressions of gratitude motivate others’ prosocial behavior. When people are thanked for their efforts, they experience stronger feelings of social worth, which inspires them to engage in further helpful acts. In short, gratitude proves to be the gift that keeps on giving because it makes others feel valued.
![[photo - Trae Vassallo, general partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and cofounder]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/trae_vassallo.png "[photo - Trae Vassallo, general partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and cofounder of Good Technologies: \"Great ideas are not solitary things. Feedback from other people is the best catalyst.\"]")
For this venture capitalist, it all comes down to connecting with people – from family to coworkers to customers.
![[photo - Photo: Doug McAdam]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/podcast_img/doug%20mcadam%205061.jpg "[photo - Photo: Doug McAdam]")
How are engaged citizens made? In this audio lecture, sponsored by the Stanford Social Innovation Review, Stanford sociology professor Doug McAdam argues that youth volunteering does not directly result in active citizens or a robust civil society. Instead, the responses to youth activism are varied and driven by historical and cultural context.
Research Resources
Stanford Social Innovation Review: Spring 2009
MONEY WELL SPENT: A Strategic Plan for Smart Philanthropy by Paul Brest and Hal Harvey Review by Susan Berresford
Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article
Stanford Social Innovation Review: Spring 2009
How foundations can best support social innovators. —By Steven Lawry
Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article
Stanford Social Innovation Review: Spring 2009
New research estimates the value of the services provided by faith-based organizations.
Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article
Stanford Social Innovation Review: Spring 2009
Many philanthropists refrain from online giving.
Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article
Wealthy philanthropists are putting off making new gifts, making estates, for the first time, the source of the majority of the year’s top donations.
Resource: Blog Post
For this venture capitalist, it all comes down to connecting with people – from family to coworkers to customers.
Resource: News Article
![[photo - Gratitude]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/Thanks_website.jpg "[photo - Gratitude]")
Expressions of gratitude motivate others’ prosocial behavior. When people are thanked for their efforts, they experience stronger feelings of social worth, which inspires them to engage in further helpful acts. In short, gratitude proves to be the gift that keeps on giving because it makes others feel valued.
Resource: News Article
Social entrepreneurs, those organizations and individuals who work to improve major social issues, don't have the networks and financial systems of traditional entrepreneurs, Sally Osberg, president of the Skoll Foundation told a Stanford MBA audience. Like Ginger Rogers dancing in a 1940's musical, they face the same issues as traditional entrepreneurs, but must do it backwards in high heels.
Resource: News Article
![[photo - Rupert Scofield]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/scofield_rupert.jpg "[photo - Rupert Scofield]")
Social enterprises hold potential to "effect the kinds of changes our society needs right now," social entrepreneur Rupert Scofield told a Stanford student audience.
Resource: News Article
In this Spring 2011 Prosocial Behavior Research Column, Frank Flynn explores research showing that the most generous, trusting, and helpful people are not those with more money, but, rather, those with less. Individuals in lower socio-economic classes tend to act in a more prosocial fashion because of a greater commitment to egalitarian values and heightened feelings of compassion for others. Put simply, the life stressors and challenges faced by those who struggle economically often spur greater social cooperation. Might the "haves" take a lesson from the altruism of the "have nots?"
Resource: News Article
Stanford Social Innovation Review: Summer 2008
In the early, heady days of the venture philanthropy movement, its proponents touted it as revolutionary, while critics said it was just old wine in new bottles. The experiences of the Center for Venture Philanthropy show that the truth lies somewhere in between: Venture philanthropy is no miracle cure, yet it can be particularly good at building strong organizations, knitting together new networks, and shrinking the power gap between funders and grantees. —By Steven LaFrance & Nancy Latham
Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article
Stanford Social Innovation Review: Summer 2008
Critics of microfinance institutions (MFIs) ask them to choose between helping the poor and making money for investors, but this is a false choice. MFIs can have their impact and profit, too, says the author, the CEO of the Grameen Foundation. He sketches a new vision of microfinance as a platform, not a product; one that relies on high volumes, not high margins, and that uses limits on private benefit, holistic performance standards, and third-party certification to help MFIs meet both their bottom lines. —By Alex Counts
Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article
Stanford Social Innovation Review: Summer 2008
How to get more racial minorities into corner offices. —By John Rice
Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article
Stanford Social Innovation Review: Summer 2008
Conservative Protestants are poorer partly because of their religion.
Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article
Stanford Social Innovation Review: Summer 2008
Nobel Peace Prize winner Mohammad Yunus aims for a more just society for all. Review by Stephen C. Smith
Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article
Social media will become increasingly critical to nonprofits’ advocacy.
Resource: Blog Post
Nonprofits need to be less risk averse.
Resource: Blog Post
Metrics can help philanthropy, but only up to a point.
Resource: Blog Post
Nonprofits need not panic in a difficult economic climate.
Resource: Blog Post
By treating government as a potential partner, nonprofits can find ways to put its resources to productive use.
Resource: Blog Post
How are engaged citizens made? In this audio lecture, sponsored by the Stanford Social Innovation Review, Stanford sociology professor Doug McAdam argues that youth volunteering does not directly result in active citizens or a robust civil society. Instead, the responses to youth activism are varied and driven by historical and cultural context.
Resource: Audio
![[photo - Mark Kramer]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/podcast_img/Mark%20Kramer%201.jpg "[photo - Mark Kramer]")
This audio interview from the Environmental Defense Fund's Future of Green Calls covers complex interactions of the philanthropy sector, socially conscientious nonprofit organizations, and for-profit businesses with FSG Co-Founder Mark Kramer. Kramer outlines how corporate social responsibility (CSR) acts as a lever to minimize environmental harms done by daily business activities. Also covered are how natural resources are consumed by industries and a discussion about sustainability practices.
Resource: Audio
Less than one in 10,000 companies will survive long enough to celebrate their 100th anniversary. For those who do, how does brand identity change over the decades while staying true to its core values? In this panel discussion, the CEOs of three such organizations discuss the rewards and challenges of carrying on a corporate legacy in the nonprofit sector: Peter Goldberg, of the Alliance for Children and Families, Cathy Tisdale, of Campfire USA, and Jim Gibbons, of Goodwill Industries International.
Resource: Audio
What can the for-profit market bring to K-12 education reform, and how can philanthropy help such efforts? In this audio interview with host Ashkon Jafari, Gisèle Huff, executive director of the Jaquelin Hume Foundation, discusses the foundation's investment strategy in this regard. She touches on lessons the organization has learned, and what the average citizen can do to raise American education standards.
Resource: Audio
Can business be a power for good? Jean Oelwang, CEO of Virgin Unite, would argue yes. Virgin Unite is the nonprofit foundation of Richard Branson's Virgin Group, a conglomerate of more than 400 world-wide companies. In this audio lecture, Oelwang discusses the need to address root causes of social and environmental issues, the unsustainable nature of the growing disparity between rich and poor, and the potential to make a difference by adapting existing product and service innovations.
Resource: Audio
![[Video-Using Entrepreneurial Approaches to Solve the Problems of Global Poverty]](http://img.youtube.com/vi/DJKD7jYyOmk/0.jpg "[Video-Using Entrepreneurial Approaches to Solve the Problems of Global Poverty]")
In turbulent times like ours, we need “hard-edged hope,” says Jacqueline Novogratz, the much-celebrated founder of the Acumen Fund. Affirming that the world is indeed a better place now than it was 40 years ago, she traces her own journey from a childhood witnessing racial inequities all around her in Detroit to a career leading the field of social impact investing. Novogratz rallies the community of Stanford business graduates to be part of the new generation of innovative problem solvers.
Resource: Video
![[Video-Opportunities In Environmental Area]](http://img.youtube.com/vi/pxAR0qZzS3Y/0.jpg "[Video-Opportunities In Environmental Area]")
How do environmental challenges create growth opportunities, new markets, and innovation? Two Goldman Sachs managers discuss how their investment firm is making the financing of corporate deals contingent upon the incorporation of increasingly stringent environmental criteria.
Resource: Video
![[Video-Community Foundations]](http://img.youtube.com/vi/xws0z0-GlxA/0.jpg "[Video-Community Foundations]")
Community foundations have become an increasingly common outlet for charitable giving in the United States. In this panel discussion, led by Julie Juergens, the director of the Center for Social Innovation, community foundation leaders discuss innovative models for foundations as well as challenges faced by this sector.
Resource: Video
![[Video-Value Creation]](http://img.youtube.com/vi/dN0jL1ACCYg/0.jpg "[Video-Value Creation]")
The nonprofit sector delivers social value and the for-profit sector delivers economic value, right? Wrong! Jed Emerson argues that value is nondivisible, whole, and blended. He invites us to think beyond philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, social enterprise, and other limiting mindsets.
Resource: Video
Community foundations have become an increasingly common outlet for charitable giving in the United States. In this panel discussion, led by Julie Juergens, the director of the Center for Social Innovation, community foundation leaders discuss innovative models for foundations as well as challenges faced by this sector.
Resource: Video
The nonprofit sector delivers social value and the for-profit sector delivers economic value, right? Wrong! Jed Emerson argues that value is nondivisible, whole, and blended. He invites us to think beyond philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, social enterprise, and other limiting mindsets.
Resource: Video
Case Studies : All | Academic Cases
No Results Found
In 2009, software giant SAP funded an initiative that aims to reinforce the shea nut and butter value chain in Ghana. The program, which also involves microfinance organizations PlaNet Finance, Grameen Ghana and Maata-N-Tudu, uses microfinance, education, and information technology to improve the conditions of shea women. Since enrolling in the program, women have seen significant improvements in income. This case study examines program progress to date and makes recommendations for program improvements using a value chain development framework.
Resource: Academic Case
![[photo - Robert A. Burgelman]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/burgelman-robert-a_5.jpg "[photo - Robert A. Burgelman]")
The Kinetics and Michael J. Fox Foundations both support research on Parkinson’s disease. This second case explores how these two organizations collaborate toward a common mission.
Resource: Academic Case
John Goldman established the South Peninsula Jewish Community Teen Foundation in 2003, an innovative program that teaches Bay Area Jewish teens to run their own charitable foundation by developing mission statements, raising money, and distributing funds. As of 2009, the program has scaled to four chapters and raised and distributed $178,321 in funds.
Resource: Academic Case
![[photo - William F. Meehan III]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/meehan-william-f_1.jpg "[photo - William F. Meehan III]")
The best nonprofits don’t necessarily get the most money, observed William and Flora Hewlett Foundation's Philanthropy Program officer Jacob Harold and president Paul Brest in 2007. From there they started exploring how they could improve the marketplace and how donors give their money. To that effect they hired consulting firm McKinsey & Company to explore the online information marketplace for giving space at a macro level, looking at trends and opportunities. Armed with data they then tried to figure out what to do.
Resource: Academic Case
![[photo - Robert A. Burgelman]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/burgelman-robert-a_4.jpg "[photo - Robert A. Burgelman]")
The Kinetics and Michael J. Fox Foundations both support research on Parkinson’s disease. This first case describes the creation, mission, and strategy of the two organizations.
Resource: Academic Case
![[photo - James A. Phills]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/phills-james-a_18.jpg "[photo - James A. Phills]")
The X PRIZE Foundation originated as prize competitions for significant development in the exploration of outer space. Several problems faced the organization as it began to focus on fields outside of space, including whether prize competitions could work in areas such as poverty.
Resource: Academic Case
![[photo - William F. Meehan III]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/meehan-william-f_10.jpg "[photo - William F. Meehan III]")
The Acumen Fund provides modest amounts of capital, combined with business expertise, to help build enterprises that would serve the poor. The case describes the fund’s approach to helping address water resource problems in developing countries.
Resource: Academic Case
![[photo - George Foster]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/foster-george.jpg "[photo - George Foster]")
The Canary Fund supports the development of methods for early cancer detection. This first case describes the choice to sponsor a high-profile racing event to raise funding and awareness.
Resource: Academic Case
![[photo - Laura K. Arrillaga]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/arrillaga-laura-kathryne_17.jpg "[photo - Laura K. Arrillaga]")
A conference at Stanford brought together professionals from foundations to share best practices, discuss emerging innovations, and build professional networks. This summary presents key issues discussed.
Resource: Academic Case
![[photo - Laura K. Arrillaga]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/arrillaga-laura-kathryne_16.jpg "[photo - Laura K. Arrillaga]")
The Altman Foundation was established to serve the people of New York City. By 2005, the foundation was poised to take its strategic philanthropy to the next level by implementing a broader system of research and evaluation.
Resource: Academic Case
In 2009, software giant SAP funded an initiative that aims to reinforce the shea nut and butter value chain in Ghana. The program, which also involves microfinance organizations PlaNet Finance, Grameen Ghana and Maata-N-Tudu, uses microfinance, education, and information technology to improve the conditions of shea women. Since enrolling in the program, women have seen significant improvements in income. This case study examines program progress to date and makes recommendations for program improvements using a value chain development framework.
Resource: Academic Case
The Kinetics and Michael J. Fox Foundations both support research on Parkinson’s disease. This second case explores how these two organizations collaborate toward a common mission.
Resource: Academic Case
John Goldman established the South Peninsula Jewish Community Teen Foundation in 2003, an innovative program that teaches Bay Area Jewish teens to run their own charitable foundation by developing mission statements, raising money, and distributing funds. As of 2009, the program has scaled to four chapters and raised and distributed $178,321 in funds.
Resource: Academic Case
The best nonprofits don’t necessarily get the most money, observed William and Flora Hewlett Foundation's Philanthropy Program officer Jacob Harold and president Paul Brest in 2007. From there they started exploring how they could improve the marketplace and how donors give their money. To that effect they hired consulting firm McKinsey & Company to explore the online information marketplace for giving space at a macro level, looking at trends and opportunities. Armed with data they then tried to figure out what to do.
Resource: Academic Case
The Kinetics and Michael J. Fox Foundations both support research on Parkinson’s disease. This first case describes the creation, mission, and strategy of the two organizations.
Resource: Academic Case
Research Papers : All
Young companies trying to enter parts of the health care industry by focusing on helping patients stay healthy and allowing safety net providers to use their resources have a hard time attracting venture capital funds that focus more on traditional profit. A recent article by two Stanford Graduate School of Business researchers argues that it's time to change this pattern.
Resource: Research Paper
![[photo - baron]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/baron-david-p_24.jpg "[photo - baron]")
Social pressure plays a major role in determining corporate strategy and performance according to an award-winning paper coauthored by Professor David Baron. The researchers find that social pressure and social performance reinforce each other, greater social pressure is associated with lower financial performance, and financial and social performance are largely unrelated.
Resource: Research Paper
Asking would-be donors for their time, not their money, is a better way for charities to increase donations, says professor Jennifer Aaker. Asking donors first to volunteer their time can positively shift their willingness to give both time and money.
Resource: Research Paper
![[photo - James E. Emerson]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/2929_1.jpg "[photo - James E. Emerson]")
This study presents fundamental concepts of markets, capital markets, and social capital markets. It also highlights select initiatives underway in early 2007 that sought to improve the functioning of social capital markets.
Resource: Research Paper
![[photo - James E. Emerson]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/James-E.-Emerson_7.jpg "[photo - James E. Emerson]")
This essay explores how the lines are blurring between for-profit businesses and nonprofits that do social good. It outlines examples of companies that embody "blended value" and discusses barriers to sustainable capitalism, and the role of philanthropy in supporting it.
Resource: Research Paper
Courses : All
No Results Found
Innovators : All
![[photo - Roger Coates]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/social_innovator_picture/Roger%20Coates.jpg "[photo - Roger Coates]")
Roger is currently starting an investment partnership for affordable housing in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Resource: Alumni
![[photo - Jacqueline Novogratz]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/social_innovator_picture/novogratz.jpg "[photo - Jacqueline Novogratz]")
In turbulent times like ours, we need “hard-edged hope,” says Jacqueline Novogratz, the much-celebrated founder of the Acumen Fund. Affirming that the world is indeed a better place now than it was 40 years ago, she traces her own journey from a childhood witnessing racial inequities all around her in Detroit to a career leading the field of social impact investing.
Resource: Alumni
![[photo - Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/social_innovator_picture/LauraArrillagaAndreessen_0.jpg "[photo - Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen]")
Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen explains how to make your giving matter more.
Resource: Alumni
![[photo - Brian Cox]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/social_innovator_picture/Brian%20Cox_0.jpg "[photo - Brian Cox]")
The poorest regions of the world pose high risks for microfinance. Brian Cox, President of MFX Solutions, discusses how currency risk education can increase the flow of resources to Africa and other high-risk regions.
Resource: Alumni
![[photo - Daryn Dodson]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/social_innovator_picture/Daryn%20Dodson_0.jpg "[photo - Daryn Dodson]")
Daryn Dodson is passionate about identifying and developing leaders with a social conscience. He has turned that passion into action by promoting entrepreneurship in post-Katrina New Orleans and in his current impact investment consulting role.
Resource: Alumni
Stanford Social Innovation Review: Spring 2010
Improving the lives of disadvantaged populations—whether through better schools, after-school programs, or teen pregnancy prevention clinics—requires proven theories of change. The very development of a field depends on their diffusion, replication, critique, and modification. Yet some organizations refuse to articulate a theory of change and some funders think it would be intrusive to demand that they do so. The interests of all concerned are served by a developmental approach to creating and evaluating theories of change
Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article
Stanford Social Innovation Review: Spring 2010
How funders can help grantees track their progress more effectively
Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article
Stanford Social Innovation Review: Spring 2010
The secret ingredient of radical innovation
Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article
Stanford Social Innovation Review: Spring 2010
In the time it takes to update your Facebook page, you could be making the world a slightly better place
Resource: Stanford Social Innovation Review Article
![[photo - Tom Tierney]](http://csi.gsb.stanford.edu/sites/csi.gsb.stanford.edu/files/imagecache/img75x75/podcast_img/tierney.jpg "[photo - Tom Tierney]")
When you begin to wonder - Am I in the right job? - it may be time to try social enterprise on for size. In this audio lecture, sponsored by the Stanford Center for Social Innovation, Tom Tierney shares how he threw caution - and a big salary - to the wind when he first decided to found the Bridgespan Group. He talks about his challenges, fears, and ultimately, triumphs in establishing this organization dedicated to helping nonprofits and philanthropy achieve breakthrough results.
Resource: Audio
