Month: March 2009

The Economics of Peace: Google goes to the West Bank

Posted on by Case Foundation

Last week we kicked off a section of our site, dedicated to highlight companies who recognize the importance of doing well by doing good. The goal of this series of blog posts is to shine a spotlight on businesses that go out of their way to uplift the communities and the people where they do business – you know, that coffee company that donates products to nonprofits, the car company that lets down-on-their luck owners defer payments or the ice cream shop that gives proceeds to a local children’s charity.

When we developed the series, we were mostly thinking about these great local examples. This week, however, I was reminded about the incredible efforts of companies, whose caring reach far beyond neighborhood issues or boundaries.

Those companies that go out on a limb to tackle complex social problems, chronic diseases and even peacemaking—companies like Google, who this week brought its unique assets to the Palestinian West Bank to contribute to efforts to build the framework for peace.

For the past year or so, I’ve had the great fortune to serve as a co-chair of the U.S.-Palestinian Partnership (UPP), a public/private partnership launched after the Annapolis peace talks. UPP was designed to promote economic and educational opportunities for the Palestinian people in order to facilitate progress toward a two-state solution, wherein Israel and Palestine can live side by side, in peace, security and prosperity. The basic idea behind our work is that there cannot be a two-state solution unless both states have stable and strong economies in which their youth have hope for the future and opportunities in the present. Through the support of youth centers, job creation, tourism and business delegations, UPP is working to demonstrate that the West Bank is open for business and to create the economic conditions necessary for peace.

Since our founding in December of 2007, the Partnership has secured private sector contributions for the West Bank from leading companies and organizations such as Cisco, Intel, Microsoft, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and National Geographic. Google is the latest company to answer the call in a big way. On March 24-25, Google teams from around the world, in partnership with USAID, the Case Foundation and Palestinian IT associations, traveled to Ramallah to provide more than 300 software developers, entrepreneurs and NGO leaders with:

  • in-depth training on the latest innovations in code development,
  • guidance about how to create, monetize and market Arabic content using online tools, and
  • how to use free Google applications (such as Google Docs) to better manage businesses.

Entrepreneurs and NGO leaders in the West Bank are young, well educated and tenacious, everyday overcoming challenges that seem insurmountable. Bringing Google to the West Bank not only gives these leaders a leg-up and fresh ideas, but it also sends an important signal that they are valued and indeed have significant contributions to make within the region and around the world.

Since we launched UPP, our efforts to encourage companies to care about the West Bank has been better then expected. It turns out the U.S. private sector cares deeply about peace in the Middle East, and a number of companies and leaders have just been waiting for a smart way to jump in. It’s been straightforward, because doing business in Palestine provides one of the most clear and rewarding double-bottom line opportunities in the world. You can do well in Palestine, thanks to its highly-educated workforce, low infrastructure costs and unique historic landmarks. And you can also do good—like creating jobs, opportunities for young people, and a stable economy that can build up a state that can live side by side in peace and prosperity with Israel.

As the world gets smaller and government resources get tighter, caring companies will continue to play a pivotal role in creating lasting solutions to problems big and small, near and far. Whether it’s Google sharing knowledge, Microsoft gifting software, Intel providing connectivity, Cisco building digital bridges or the many other examples of corporations tackling societal challenges, we salute these incredible acts of generosity and look forward to many companies following in their footsteps.

Charity athletic events: They hurt so good

Posted on by Case Foundation

This post was written by Nicola Beddow on behalf of the Case Foundation:

When it comes to raising funds and awareness for a good cause, some of the most popular events are ones that involve a little blood, sweat and tears. Marathons, distance biking, and run/walks top the list of charity athletic events. As co-founder and director of the Race for Hope 5k Run/Walk, I frequently get calls and requests for advice on organizing run/walks. I’m always happy to share experiences, resources and new fundraising ideas.

People are attracted to athletic fundraising events for many reasons – supporting a cause, getting in shape, accomplishing a goal and maybe even for the rewards that come from pain and suffering. In fact, Princeton University researchers Christopher Olivola and Eldar Shafir conducted a study at The Oppenheimer Lab that suggests people like to participate in fundraising activities that involve discomfort. Mr. Olivola attributed the results of the study to a phenomenon he dubbed the “martyrdom effect.” “When you have to work hard and suffer for a cause, then you become more involved and more motivated to help that cause,” he said. That could explain the appeal of charity triathlons, marathons and the latest craze: running up the stairwells of skyscrapers.

Fortunately, there are plenty of events for people at all fitness levels. The Race for Hope – DC, presented by Cassidy & Pinkard Colliers – a run/walk to benefit Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure and the National Brain Tumor Society draws over 8,000 participants, including many families. It’s inclusive – just about anyone can run or walk a 5k. The “martyrdom effect” can be seen at this level too. I often hear Race participants say “running or walking” is the least they can do in support of a loved one who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Charity athletic events are growing in participation and dollars raised. According to the Run Walk Ride Fundraising Council, the top thirty “athon” programs generated more than $1.76 billion in gross revenue for charity last year, up from $1.64 billion in 2007 – a healthy 7.6% increase.

Here’s a look at the top five events from the Councils’ recent Run Walk Ride Thirty Study:

  • $430.0 million…(+5.9%)…Relay for Life…American Cancer Society
  • $125.5 million…(+0.4%…Team in Training…Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
  • $115.0 million…(-0.9%)…March for Babies…March of Dimes
  • $113.1 million…(+19.8%)…Race for the Cure…Susan G. Komen for the Cure
  • $110.0 million…(+26.5%)…Breast Cancer 3-Day…National Philanthropic Trust

Of course, program executives who responded to the study expressed concern about the economy this year. They hoped to use two strategies to drive growth: increased corporate team recruitment followed by providing individual participants with tools to raise more funds.

Key elements to a successful race include: a passion for the cause, a core group of talented and committed volunteers, and online fundraising and awareness building tools.

Volunteers with experience in media outreach, sponsorships and team building will be critical to your success. No one can tell a story, land a sponsorship or build a team better than someone who has been personally impacted by the cause.

Hire a running company to handle permitting, logistics and timing.

Make sure you have an online fundraising strategy. Some nonprofits use online fundraising software like Blackbaud/Kintera or Convio, while others build their own custom websites. Sites like Firstgiving.com or Active.com enable individuals to raise money for their special cause as they participate in an athletic event not directly connected to a charity. Social media tools are extending the reach of athletic event fundraising, as well. Nonprofits and individuals have set up Facebook Fan pages and Twitter accounts to help spread the word about their run or walk. See how we’ve used these tools for Race for Hope:

A new and welcome trend is the “greening” of athletic fundraising events. The running community is leading the way. While it takes extra effort and the costs are not cheap, there are considerable environmental benefits. Races are recruiting additional volunteers to help manage the recycling of thousands of plastic water bottles, containers and paper cups. They are featuring organic t-shirts, bio-degradable bib numbers and compost bins for banana and orange peels. Race directors are cutting back on printed race materials and encouraging participants to go online for information and registration.

It’s never been a better time to get fit, go green and support your favorite charity!

Here’s some great resources links:

Guest blogger Nicola (Nike) Beddow is the Director of Events at Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2), a Case Foundation partner organization.

My nominees for the ten most charitable ladies on the red carpet…

Posted on by Case Foundation

Just because award season is behind us, it doesn’t mean we can’t have our own fun. In honor of National Women’s History Month, I thought I’d take a look at some of my favorite female celebrities doing good things. My nominees include some big time givers and some up and comers, but I can’t cover them all, so please add your own to this list!

Also, if your People Magazine or US Weekly just isn’t telling you enough about the good work your favorite celebrities are doing, check out Look to the Stars, a website that covers all the latest and greatest in celebrity giving. Most Wiki profiles also do a good job at covering philanthropic work.

And now… My nominees for the most charitable ladies on the red carpet ARE…

  • Reese Witherspoon
  • Alicia Keys
  • Natalie Portman
  • Angelina Jolie
  • Scarlett Johansson
  • Jessica Biel
  • Keira Knightley
  • Oprah Winfrey
  • Rosie O’Donnell
  • Barbara Streisand

This was a fun post to write, but I couldn’t have done it without my friends on Twitter and elsewhere, so thanks for your suggestions! And for the rest of you, now that I’ve told you some of my favorite celebrity do-gooders, it’s time for you to tell me yours!

Reese Witherspoon


She’s beautiful, she’s talented, she’s dating Jake Gyllenhaal… and she’s giving back. What more could you ask for? Between her work with the Children’s Defense Fund and as the Honorary Chairwoman of the Avon Foundation, Reese is definitely someone to look up to. I love her willingness to get out on the streets as the face of a campaign, and I look forward to seeing great charitable things from Reese in the future.

Alicia Keys


I’m a huge fan of Alicia Key’s Keep a Child Alive campaign. She is the co-founder and Global Ambassador of the charity, which is dedicated to providing care and support services to children and their families with HIV/AIDS in Africa and the developing world. One of my favorite things about this charity: their innovative use of mobile giving both online and at Alicia’s concerts. Love it! To learn more about her work and travels to Africa, check out the documentary Alicia in Africa: Journey to the Motherland.

Natalie Portman

When it comes to animal rights, Natalie Portman literally walks the talk. When handed gorgeous leather clothing and shoes, Natalie says, no thank you. “All of my shoes are from Target and Stella McCartney, who does all non-leather products,” says the actress. Natalie even launched her own line of vegan shoes and donates 100% of the proceeds to the Nature Conservancy. Beyond her choice of shoes, Natalie is a never-tiring advocate of animal rights and a supporter of PETA. Natalie is also a strong supporter of antipoverty activities and was named an Ambassador of Hope for FINCA International, an organization that strives to provide financial services to the world’s lowest-income entrepreneurs so they can create jobs, build assets and improve their standard of living.

Angelina Jolie


If you have so much as turned on the TV or opened one magazine in the last three years, you are familiar with Angelina, her family and her charity work. Angelina, in many ways, has raised the bar in Hollywood when it comes to philanthropy and I think that is a beautiful thing. In the last 10 years, Angelina has traveled the world, visited countless Refugee camps, donated millions of dollars, and adopted three children. She is a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, was a recipient of the Citizen of the World Award by the United Nations Correspondents Association and was awarded the Global Humanitarian Award by the UNA-USA. For more information about Angelina’s work, read her journals. And that’s only the beginning…

Scarlett Johansson

Young, incredibly famous, and newly married, Scarlett is already showing her dedication to charitable causes. Johansson is a Global Ambassador to Oxfam, an anti-poverty coalition and also works as an ambassador to the global AIDS campaign, RED. In 2008, Scarlett auctioned herself off for a date to raise money for Oxfam, and she has even auctioned off a snotty tissue for charity. Interesting tactics from this leading lady, but hey, whatever works, right?

Jessica Biel


Jessica Biel has always seemed like one of the more “down to earth” celebs out there. She’s always seen without makeup, and I love how she and Justin maintain as low a profile as they can. But, the real reason I think she’s a solid person? Her charity work. In 2007, Jessica co-founded the Make the Difference Network, a cause-oriented social network that connects nonprofit organizations with potential donors and increases awareness for small-to-medium nonprofits. Check out Jessica’s MTDN profile and take a minute to fulfill the wish of a non-profit you care about.

Keira Knightley


Keira, in my mind, is one of the most intense and talented young actresses on the Hollywood scene. She is quickly rising to the top, but there is no doubt that she is using her celebrity status for good. In 2008, Keira became the new face of a campaign by human rights charity Amnesty International, marking the 60th anniversary of the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Beyond being the pretty face of the campaign, Knightley also made a short film to help raise awareness of the UDHR and human rights abuses. We’ve also seen Keira do fun things for charity, like donate a dress and even contribute her voice to a movie. Here’s to hoping there are many more good things to come from this bright star.

Oprah Winfrey

I can’t write a blog post about philanthropy without talking about Oprah Winfrey. Oprah’s Angel Network has raised more than $80 million in donations from the public since its inception. The charity uses donations to “award grants to organizations around the world that are improving access to education, protecting basic rights, creating communities of support and developing the leaders of tomorrow.” Beyond her Angel Network, we have seen Oprah personally give away huge amounts of her own money, and in 2005, she became the first black person listed by Business Week as one of America’s top 50 most generous philanthropists. With her own show and shows like the Big Give, Oprah has done wonderful things to make giving public, popular, and fun.

Rosie O’Donnell


She’s hysterical… and charitable. According to The Giving Back Fund, Rosie O’Donnell gave $5.7 million dollars to a variety of causes in 2006, many focused on Katrina Relief efforts. Rosie also founded the For All Kids Foundation, a non-profit charity that is committed to helping kids born into poverty through the construction of childcare centers, funding, grants, and other projects. One of my favorite fun facts about Rosie? According to Wikipedia, apparently she donated $50 million of a five year contract in an irrevocable trust to charity. Impressive.

Barbara Streisand


In 2008, ABC News named Barbara Streisand as the third most generous celebrity in the second annual list of the biggest humanitarians gathered by the Giving Back Fund. The Streisand Foundation, founded in 1986, “has made grants totaling nearly $15 million to national organizations working on preservation of the environment, voter education, the protection of civil liberties and civil rights, women’s issues and nuclear disarmament.” Barbara Streisand is a role model for aspiring actresses and do-gooders everywhere.

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