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15 countries, other states use social impact bonds, too

Kristen Jordan Shamus

December 13, 2016 |

Detroit Free Press |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United Kingdom, Peterborough

A project launched in the United Kingdom uses social-impact bonds to reduce recidivism among prisoners, bringing together public and private resources to implement more effective and cost efficient social programs. Their success is inspiring other countries to follow suit.

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To fight poverty in Africa, a new-old solution: cash handouts

Ryan Lenora Brown

December 11, 2016 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Lesotho, Maseru

The approach of giving cash straight to poor people - rather than funneling goods or services indirectly through the slow, diluted, and complex systems of charities or governments - is nothing new, but evidence of long-term success and sustainability are few. That's why many NGOs and governments are now coupling cash transfers with more comprehensive programs such as job training and financial counseling, as well as addressing some of the root causes that keep people poor, like lack of infrastructure and market access.

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No Resolution in Sight for International Climate Finance

Emily Wier

December 05, 2016 |

Clean Energy Finance Forum |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

Climate financing, determining which nations pay and which nations receive, is a challenge for the United Nations. The World Bank created a Pilot Auction Fund, which competitively allocates credit in an online auction, using the returns to fund projects that reduce emissions.

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Big Bet Philanthropy: How More Givers Are Spending Big And Taking Risks To Solve Society's Problems

Kerry A. Dolan

November 30, 2016 |

Forbes |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, San Francisco, California

For the superrich and the biggest U.S. charitable foundations, donating to universities, hospitals and cultural institutions is the norm. Less common are donations targeted at "social change" such as alleviating poverty or tackling global warming - but that is beginning to change. An in-depth study from the Bridgespan Group is showing how big bets in philanthropy are paying off, as well as what factors - such as a close donor-recipient relationship - are key to success.

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Cash Cards For Syrian Refugees

Sahar Zand

November 20, 2016 |

BBC |

Podcast |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: Lebanon, Beqaa Valley

In a creative twist, Syrian refugees are being given cash cards to spend as they wish rather than being given food boxes or in-kind donations. Agencies and refugees themselves say that it gives them dignity and choice, which are important in the survival process. It was also much more efficient and cheaper to distribute money than buying food. This podcast cites a study done to prove its efficacy, talks to a couple refugee families, and notes that results could vary from country to country.

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For Refugees in Lebanon, Cash Instead of Camps.

Tina Rosenberg

September 13, 2016 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Lebanon

In Lebanon, services for refugees are often misguided and ineffective. To address this issue, the country created a cash-debit card allowance for refugees, providing a more appropriate resource than the typical aid program.

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Save the refugees, become a banker

Sanne Blauw Maite Vermeulen

September 08, 2016 |

The Correspondent |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States

Research has shown that "feel good altruism" is making you feel good but is not helping people in need. In order to pivot towards "effective altruism," one must question many factors like effectiveness, beneficiaries, consequences, the probability of success, and areas of neglect. The most effective altruism just might be donating to impactful charities with measurable outcomes.

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How the Most Dangerous Place on Earth Got Safer

Sonia Nazario

August 11, 2016 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Honduras, San Pedro Sula

The gang-driven violence in Honduras has caused thousands to migrate to the United States. In the last three years, with emergency international aid from the United States, Honduras has experienced a 62 percent drop in homicides and has witnessed a decrease in the number of migrants entering the United States. The aid has gone toward community improvement projects and outreach centers, such as providing items for soccer games and other activities that dissuade gangsters from fighting each other. It also has supported more effective prosecution of homicides.

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The surprisingly simple economic case for giving refugees cash, not stuff

Elizabeth MacBride

August 07, 2016 |

Quartz |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Jordan, Amman

In the Middle East, refugee camps are expensive to run-- particularly because shipping food aid is expensive, and the refugees feel victimized in an environment where they have no agency or purchasing power. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees has moved refugees in Jordan out of camps and has given cash instead of in-kind aid, and new possibilities emerge with mobile money by the aid of new technology. The results have shown that refugees feel more empowered and the costs associated with their aid are reduced.

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What will the evidence say about a universal basic income?

Catherine Cheney

July 18, 2016 |

Devex |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Kenya

GiveDirectly is launching this basic income pilot with more than 6,000 Kenyan households for the next 10 to 15 years, building on its experience with unconditional cash transfers and randomized control trials in Kenya and Uganda.

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