As with previous years, several celebrities are attending the Clinton Global Initiative this week to push for charitable causes they’re passionate about. Among the Hollywood elite here: actress Drew Barrymore and actor Matt Damon. Ms. Barrymore came to the event to promote international anti-hunger…
By Ian Wilhelm
Contributor
Perhaps more than any other event on philanthropy, the Clinton Global Initiative attracts a huge number of journalists from around the world. This year, more than 1,000 reporters attended, according to a spokesman for the conference. But given such an influx of scribes and broadcasters, the Clinton…
By Ian Wilhelm
Contributor
Gates Promises $168.7-Million For Malaria Vaccine
During a meeting at the United Nations today, Bill Gates said his foundation is awarding $168.7-million to create a malaria vaccine. The money will support work by PATH, a large health nonprofit group in Seattle, to develop a potential anti-malaria drug with pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline.…
By Ian Wilhelm
Contributor
Broad Promises $6-Million Education-Research Gift
Philanthropist Eli Broad promised $6-million to develop a new education research center at Harvard University today as part of the Clinton Global Initiative. The Education Innovation Laboratory, or EdLabs, will foster new ways to solve problems with K-12 education, such as racial inequity in…
By Ian Wilhelm
Contributor
During today’s Clinton Global Initiative, several large philanthropy commitments were made: • The YUM! Brands restaurant company promised to give $80-million over the next five years to anti-hunger groups to provide meals to school children. The majority of that pledge — $50-million — will support…
By Ian Wilhelm
Contributor
Presidential Candidates Pledge To Fight Poverty
Amid presidential election drama and the negotiations for a bailout of the U.S. financial system, both Barack Obama and John McCain took time today to speak to participants of the Clinton Global Initiative. While the senators discussed the $700-billion federal plan to curb the financial crisis,…
By Ian Wilhelm
Contributor
Philanthropist Speaks to United Nations
Across town from the Clinton Global Initiative, another group of distinguished people are discussing ways to help the poor — the United Nations General Assembly. And today, Bill Gates spoke to world leaders and diplomats about the Millennium Development Goals, which seek to cut the number of people…
By Ian Wilhelm
Contributor
Liberian President Wants Coordination of Nonprofit Work
The president of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, called on foundations and aid groups operating in her country to do a better job of coordinating their work and developing programs that conform with the Liberian government’s development agenda. At the Clinton Global Initiative, she said her nation…
By Ian Wilhelm
Contributor
Scholar Decries Former Education Effort Led by Presidential Candidate
Scholar decries former education effort led by presidential candidate
By Ian Wilhelm
Contributor
The highlight of this year’s Clinton Global Initiative for most people was a session that focused on Billanthropy — that is, the giving of Bill Clinton and Bill Gates. In an Oprah-style setting, the former president peppered the technology tycoon with questions about philanthropy, AIDS, and the…
By Ian Wilhelm
Contributor