Google Takes a Different Approach to Giving

The founders of the Internet search engine Google are starting a philanthropy with $1-billion, but the organization, called Google.org, will be for-profit and will financially support start-up companies, lobby lawmakers, and form partnerships with venture capitalists to fight global issues like poverty, reports The New York Times.

Google.org’s ambitious plan includes an effort to develop an ultra-fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid car engine by collaborating with scientists and automakers.

The organization’s executive director, Larry Brilliant, a physician and public-health expert, compared the traditional structure of corporate foundations to a musician playing only part of the piano, the Times reports.

“Google.org can play on the entire keyboard,” Dr. Brilliant said. “It can start companies, build industries, pay consultants, lobby, give money to individuals, and make a profit.”