Opinion

Wise Givers: How We Did It

Jan 01, 2008

The challenge that we at Geneva Global face in evaluating effectiveness in philanthropy is to define the criteria for effectiveness and apply them as consistently as possible. Keep in mind that we are not ranking the philanthropists profiled here. Instead, we designed a simple methodology to bring to light good philanthropic role models, those people who bring together passion and tough-minded analysis to help them ensure that they are doing the most good that they possible can.

How Business Can Aid in the Fight Against Global Poverty

Dec 12, 2007

There are no easy answers to the eradication of poverty. There is no ‘one size fits all’ or a single solution. Poverty will ultimately be solved when good governments are installed that will create the environment for vibrant economic activity to take place. It will not be solved by grand projects run by governments but which offer poor returns on their investments. An enterprise-based strategy will lay the groundwork for a better educated and resourced next generation, to transform their nations and make poverty history.

On Giving Wisely

Nov 24, 2007

In an inaugural effort to shift focus towards wise philanthropy, Geneva Global and Barron’s Magazine set out to promote a thoughtful consideration of effectiveness in giving. We have not attempted a ranking at this point. Instead, we’ve highlighted ten philanthropists who focus on getting the most done with their donations.

A World Without Estate Taxes

Oct 30, 2007

Information concerning the future of the US estate tax—and the consequent impact on philanthropic giving—is rife with conflict. And, perhaps, with out-sized concern. People give for many different reasons, and tax benefits are only one of them. As such, wealthy donors would be better advised to concern themselves less with whether an estate tax repeal is in the works, and more with how best they want to preserve family capital.

Tipping the Balance on Food Aid

Oct 09, 2007

US agriculture is intimately linked with food scarcity around the world. The impact is personal for the subsistence farmer: not only has her product been devalued by the flooding of her market with US-farmed commodities, but if she lives in or near a community that is the recipient of in-kind food aid she might find she doesn’t have any local buyers at all, since all her potential customers are now receiving their food for free. Thus she gets hit twice by US farm practices, a dynamic which is effectively putting her – and millions like her – out of business.

Conflict Recovery: Justice in Northern Uganda

Jul 20, 2007

Opinions are divided both inside and outside Uganda on the question of what would constitute ‘justice’ if the Juba Peace Talks between the Ugandan government and the Lord’s Resistance Army lead to a peaceful resolution.

Celebrities, Influence, and Listening to Africans

Jul 18, 2007

The challenge for anyone looking to make a measurable difference is that the dynamics that help and harm in each country are so diverse. It is legitimately difficult to know who to listen to, because equally informed, stake-holding Africans have conflicting ideas about what will work in their respective countries or communities.

Health Sector: Where Donor Dollars Can Do Most to Eradicate TB

Jul 17, 2007

The WHO reported on March 22 that there were 8.8 million new cases of TB in 2005, the majority of which occurred in Africa. Though the number of cases remains stable, it is unnecessarily high, showing that the African health systems are still challenged in their efforts to eradicate the disease. Three of the key issues behind this continued high incidence are HIV infection, drug resistant TB, and inadequate health systems and practices. While troubling, these obstacles point to clear opportunities for donors to make a lasting and successful impact in dealing with the disease.

Good Intentions, Bad Outcomes

Dec 15, 2006

Several years ago, in a well-intentioned response to corruption and violations of the public trust, a high profile attempt was made to better regulate a vast portion of the American economy. While many welcomed the attempt, it soon became clear that the new regime was, rather than beneficial, quite perverse.

Real Inspiration for a Generous Nation

Sep 28, 2006

Today is a remarkable day. Americans will give away $712 million dollars today. You might be wondering what special occasion inspires that kind of generosity.

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