Three Ways Companies Can Increase Corporate Value through Social Impact
4 min read
In the midst of this watershed COVID-19 pandemic, companies recognise the reputational risks in ignoring the plight of vulnerable groups such as the minorities and gig workers. Lacking insurance coverage and job security, some 38% of the global workforce or 1.25 billion workers in the affected industries have experienced or are facing imminent job losses, putting renewed pressure on governments and the social services in addressing emerging needs.
Three Ways Corporates and Philanthropic Funders Can Collaborate with Policymakers in India to Support Grassroot Healthcare Infrastructure
Co Author: Dr. Swati Mahajan 5 mins read As per the Investment Opportunities in India’s Healthcare Sector Report (NITI Aayog, 2021) the healthcare sector in India grew with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 22% since 2016, employing 4.7 million people. Currently, healthcare in India is either public funded, aided by non-profit partners, or undertaken […]
Three Ways COVID19 has Shifted the North-South Power Balance of Philanthropy
5 min read
As the world struggles to manage the vicissitudes of an increasingly virulent virus with daily recalibration of policy approaches and vaccination strategies (multiple governments have been accused of regular U-turns], philanthropy has an opportunity to seize the moment for more stable and structural change. Our recently published report entitled Philanthropy and COVID-19: Is the North-South Power Balance Finally Shifting? noted that the pandemic has shone a light on entrenched sectoral issues that existed before the crisis (and may been exacerbated by it) but that if addressed now can help improve impact and sector equality.
Three Ways Entrepreneur Support Organisations Can Close the Gender Financing Gap
5 min read
Despite efforts to reduce it, the gender financing gap is still alive and well in Asia. Women entrepreneurs continue to receive less funding than their male counterparts. Entrepreneur support organisations (ESOs) have a key role to play in bridging this gap. With capital becoming increasingly connected, ESOs should collaborate and partner to help our female-led businesses access capital and grow more effectively. Find out how ESOs can do so.
Through the Olle Trail: Rebuilding Hope through SME innovation in Jeju The Story of the Jeju Olle Foundation
7 minutes read The Jeju Olle Trail is home to many local small businesses in Jeju. Sunil and Jeongchul are small business owners who moved to Jeju with their families in 2015 and 2021 respectively. Sunil works at Murung Farm, an agricultural-cooperative and Jeongchul runs F&M Vintage Cafe, located on Route 12 and 4 of […]
To Build a Better World, Invest in Children
We look around us and there are so many things we would like to change. Some of us would like a better environment, while others would like to see a more just treatment.
To Every Humanitarian, Listen Up!
2 minutes read In simple terms, a humanitarian is a person who works for the welfare and development of others. Doing good is widely perceived as an act of charity; the concept of giving to a greater cause. However, is it always effective? Very often the act of giving is seen as an end to […]
Today’s Girls to Become Tomorrow’s Scientists and Leaders – How to Be Successful in STEM
4 min read Since time immemorial women have been dedicating their lives to many facets of livelihood many of which have needed the craft, ingenuity and dedication intrinsic to women. Women have had significant roles in the development of pottery, weaving and agriculture. Even humanity’s entry into the medical sciences and engineering was influenced by […]
TORAJAMELO E-Commerce and Crowdfunding
TORAJAMELO, a participant at the Investment Showcase at the AVPN Conference 2015 has launched their E-commerce and Crowdfunding platforms. You may check them out by clicking on the links below:- TORAJAMELO’s E-Commerce TORAJAMELO’s Crowdfunding Platform
Towards an Enabling Environment for Sustainable Finance
5 min read
Designed around dedicated impact themes to mobilize capital where it is most needed, AVPN’s 8th Annual Conference and its first carbon-neutral, virtual convening brought together more than 7000 people amidst the unsettling backdrop of the “Great Lockdown”. The well moderated discussions galvanized a clarion call for collaborative action by governments and businesses to prioritise climate action and sustainable investments as an imperative for building economic and social resilience to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Towards Gender-Inclusive Investing: A Co-Design Approach
Co-author: Amar Gokhale and Saida Benhayoune This article is the first of a 2-part series that captures learnings from a ‘co-design’ exercise conducted with investors in India to help the move from intention to action on gender-inclusive investing. The co-design exercise comprised of five 3-hour sessions conducted virtually in October 2021. 6 min read Gender […]
Transforming Lives in Southeast Asia: The Economic Benefits of Investing in Eye Health
3 minutes read At The Fred Hollows Foundation, we’ve always understood that investing in eye health transforms lives. Over the past 30 years, we’ve restored sight to more than 3 million people. Now, we have the data that demonstrates what we know. The Fred Hollows Foundation has released a groundbreaking report in partnership with Victoria […]
Transforming Public Institutions to Catalyse Private Investments into Impact: Lessons from Indonesia
5 min read
“Inequality is Rising or Staying Extremely High Nearly Everywhere” – the World Inequality Report, 2018. The burgeoning need to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has never been more urgent. Countries and changemakers around the world have been rapidly making progress in coming up with innovative solutions to solve the world’s most pressing problems. However, progress usually stagnates as they are unable to fully integrate into the mainstream government institutions.
Troubling Philanthropy: 3 Keys to Effective Accountability
5 min read
You may have come across Anand Giridharadas’s razor-sharp critique in ‘Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World’’. In his deeply reflective book, Giridharadas undercuts the ‘do-good’ narratives that the wealthy and privileged – himself included – have been perpetuating. While these systemic challenges cannot be repaired overnight, I see three ways that you may find useful in holding yourself accountable to serve the public good.
True leaders look within: the road ahead to professionalize the social investment sector
5 min read
Talent management in funding organizations. Its relationship with action, scale, and impact. Lessons learnt at Salzburg Global Seminar.
Turning Challenges Into Opportunities to Tackle Marine Plastic Pollution
5 min read
Over 8 billion kilograms of plastic enter the world’s oceans every year. Marine plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental concerns facing the world today. Asia, in particular, has been detrimental to the oceans, with 5 countries – China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam – generating ~60% of this marine plastic waste leakage.
Turning Passion for Social Impact into True CSR Expertise
4 min read
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Asia is growing, yet one of the key barriers to successful CSR programmes is the lack of qualified, well-equipped human resources. Find out how organisations with CSR expertise can support the social sector ecosystem by building stakeholder-capacity.
Turning the growl of hunger to a purr of sustainable nutrition
4 min read
When my stomach growls from hunger, I walk to the fridge, open the door and take whatever looks good. I know that for many people in the world, this is a dream. They have no fridge, little food and no way to ease their hunger pains.
Two Insights to Overcome the Challenges of Selling in the Last Mile
4 min read
Kopernik aims to increase access to clean energy technology for people living in the last mile by experimenting with sales strategies and analyzing end-user financing.
Ukraine Relief Efforts: Insights, Perspectives and Learning from UN Agencies
This blog post is a summary of the insights and learning from a discussion on Ukraine Relief Efforts anchored by Micron Foundation and AVPN. The speakers were individuals from AVPN member organisations- UNHCR, UNICEF and WHO Foundation who shared their experience, learning and perspectives on the relief efforts in Ukraine.
Uncovering Collaboration Opportunities Between Philanthropy and Policy Actors
5 min read
The United Nations estimates the financial capital needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals is US$ 5-7 trillion annually – imagine if the reported amount could be deployed from the philanthropic capital worldwide towards achieving the SDGs. The complexity of the impact challenges in Asia have led to a call for more strategic collaborative opportunities between the philanthropic community and policymakers, so that greater impact can be created between their resources and policy mandates and programmes.
Uncovering the Impact Potential of Islamic Finance in Asia
6 min read
Early efforts to innovate Islamic Finance have led Malaysia to become an early mover in aligning Shariah-compliant investing with ethical and responsible investment opportunities. Find out how Asia is leveraging Islamic finance to create greater social and economic impact.
Understanding the Landscape for Women Social Entrepreneurs in Indonesia
4 min read
In partnership with Sasakawa Peace Foundation, AVPN highlighted high-impact areas that social investors can focus on to empower women entrepreneurs financially in Indonesia.
Unlocking Entrepreneurial Spirit in the Philippines Through Innovative Technology Solutions
3 minute read Jhona Joy is a mother of three and lives in the Philippines. On top of managing her busy family life, she is a dedicated member of her wider community. She is the Centre Chief of St. Elizabeth Community Development Programme (SECDEP)’s financial loan group, a village elected official, and a parent volunteer […]
Unlocking Financial Access for MSMEs: Strive Learning Network Expert Panel
Strive Indonesia hosted the second Strive Learning Network session titled “Ask the Expert,” which provided valuable insights into the financial access landscape for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in 2024. This live Q&A and discussion session brought together three experts from both the private sector and government officials to engage with financial service providers, small business enablers, development agencies, NGOs, government offices and address pressing questions submitted by the audience.
Unlocking the Potential of Family-Led Capital: Catalysing Social Innovations in Northeast Asian Cities
Family-led capital is poised to be the social innovation catalyst across Northeast Asia. With an estimated up to USD 450 million of Northeast Asian family wealth ready for investing in social impact by 2030, a substantial 80% increase from 2023, there is an immense pool of capital that can be mobilised as a stimulus for social progress.
Unlocking the Potential of Women Entrepreneurs: An Interview with Adelle Odelia Tanuri
With the many roadblocks and barriers to entry, women’s entrepreneurship remains an untapped source of economic growth.
Unveiling the Healthcare Challenges of Indonesian Domestic Workers in the Fight Against Cervical Cancer
In the complicated tapestry of Indonesia’s health landscape, cervical cancer emerges as a formidable adversary. Globocan 2020 unveiled a staggering reality: 36,633 new cases of cervical cancer, constituting a significant 9.2% of all newly detected cancers in females. Moreover, within this disconcerting statistic lies a silent struggle — that of Indonesian domestic workers silently grappling […]
Unveiling the Vision: A Conversation on Impact Investing Day at AVPN Global Conference 2023
3 minutes read As the excitement builds for the AVPN Global Conference 2023 and we have less than 20 days to go, our team is buzzing with anticipation. Amidst the multitude of inspiring sessions, Impact Investing Day on 21 June 2023 holds special significance for investors. This inaugural event is set to deliver a transformative […]
Value for Money in ActionAid: Creating an alternative
2 min read
By adapting the concept of VfM (value for money) to human rights based organisations, ActionAid assesses how much value a programme has generated through the communities’ perspectives.
Find out how the VfM can empower stakeholders while encouraging critical reflections on work done.
Valuing Women’s Contributions to Forest Investments in Nepal
3 min read
Despite Nepal’s long history of forest conservation, women’s contributions have been largely ignored.
Jeannette Gurung asserts that closing the gender gap will not only foster sustainable development but also boost the economy by USD 12 trillion.
Venture Philanthropy Gains New Ground in China
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang mentioned in his parliamentary address that venture philanthropy should be adopted by local governments in China to provide support for early stage social organisations. In his speech on the innovation of the social sector, he spoke about the need for transparency, revamp of the tax system, and also for the sector […]
Venture Philanthropy Insights from Europe
Insights into some of the latest challenges and innovations that foundations in Europe are experiencing.
Viral Hepatitis: A Silent Crisis We Can Address
In a world grappling with a multitude of pressing challenges and crises, the case for investing in viral hepatitis elimination might seem overshadowed by more immediate emergencies. Disasters, pandemics, economic upheavals, and geopolitical tensions capture the headlines and demand our immediate attention. In this landscape, it’s easy to overlook viral hepatitis, which afflicts millions of […]
VP Champion, Doug Miller, Encourages ‘Learning from Others’
Doug Miller is, among other things, the chairman of the board of the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) and has been active in philanthropy for the last 30 years. He is also a founding trustee of Impetus Trust in the UK, and the founding chairman and honorary president of the European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA). […]
VP Leader joins AVPN as Executive Vice Chairman
AVPN announced in August that Andrew Muirhead the CEO of Inspiring Scotland will be joining as executive vice chairman with effect from January 2013. Andrew will bring his leadership experience from the financial services sector, corporate foundation sector as well as founder CEO of a leading European venture philanthropy organisation. Doug Miller, founder chairman of […]
