Spring 2011 Webinar Series: Expanding the Philanthropic Toolbox: Introduction to Program-Related Investing  

This webinar series features experienced PRI makers who will introduce and respond to questions about key investing concepts and the steps to creating and managing an effective PRI program. The series is available to members for free and non-members for a modest cost. Register today for one or more of the monthly webinars.

Welcome New Members!

Please join us in welcoming the following new members to the Network this month:
 

Patrick and Catherine Weldon Donaghue Medical Research Foundation is a private foundation in Hartford, CT that supports work in a wide range of disciplines aimed at improving mental and physical health, advancing clinical interventions and the delivery of health services, and improving community and public health status.
 

First 5 LA is a unique child advocacy organization created by California voters to invest tobacco tax revenues in programs for improving the lives of children in Los Angeles County, from prenatal through age five.
 

Harrison County Community Foundation funds community and economic development programs in Harrison County, Indiana. 

The Patricia Kind Family Foundation is a private foundation that funds in Pennsylvania in the areas of children and families, community and economic development, education, health, housing and youth. 
 

PeopleFund is a new affiliate member of the Network and is a community development financial institution (CDFI) located in Austin, TX. 
 

Clara Miller Named President of Heron Foundation

The F.B. Heron Foundation board appointed Clara Miller as the Foundation's new president starting March 1. Ms. Miller will bring to the Foundation a wealth of knowledge and relationships, as well as a national reputation for being a tireless innovator and advocate for institutions effecting social change and progress.

Gates Foundation Makes $2 Million PRI to Inigral 

As part of the Gates Foundation's ongoing exploration of innovative avenues of charitable giving to improve education, the Foundation is investing $2 million in PRIs to support Inigral Inc., an emerging market leader in delivering social applications to impact student enrollment and engagement. Inigral developed Schools App, a Facebook application that is used by college students to obtain and share information about the academic and social environment at their schools. 

Rockefeller Foundation Grants $400K to Develop Social-Impact Bonds 

Funded by The Rockefeller Foundation, the Nonprofit Finance Fund will take on R&D for implementing social-impact bonds in the US. Currently used in the UK, social-impact bonds allow private investors and foundations to invest in privately managed social programs in collaboration with the government.

Chase Donates $25 Million in Grants to CDFIs  

Enterprise Cascadia receives $4 million.

In its effort to continue supporting small businesses, Chase announced its donation of $25 million in grants to CDFIs serving hard-to-reach communities.

Aiding Resident Ownership in Manufactured-Home Communities: An interview with ROC USA
The PRI Makers Network interviewed Michael Sloss, managing director at ROC USA Capital about the organization and how PRIs from the Ford Foundation have helped them improve homeownership rates among residents of mobile home communities.