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Preparing for Disaster by Betting Against It

Georgia Levenson Keohane

February 12, 2014 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, necessity has bred an interesting kind of financial invention for the New York MTA: the world’s first “catastrophe” bond - a reinsurance for the insurer - designed to protect public transportation infrastructure, specifically against storm surge. These bonds privatize risk for public gain, creating a kind of tool that may protect economic development against all kinds of natural and man-made disasters around the world.

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Playing the Odds on Saving

Tina Rosenberg

January 15, 2014 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Michigan

Lotteries aren’t usually considered part of the solution to a savings crisis experienced across America, particularly by the nation's poor, but with more hopefuls purchasing lottery tickets than setting aside rainy day funds, one organization, Doorways to Dreams, is working to change federal and state laws to allow banks to offer prize-linked savings. In Michigan, the programs have seen some success.

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In the Long War on Poverty, Small Victories That Matter

David Bornstein

January 08, 2014 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

A panoply of responses to poverty has emerged to address poverty in the United States and abroad. The responses share in three key tactics: Measuring impact, paying for success, and collaboration.

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Escaping the Cycle of Scarcity

Tina Rosenberg

September 25, 2013 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: India, Odisha

Poor people are less likely to make smart financial decisions; however, new research in the U.S. says this is not about intelligence but rather about a brain being overwhelmed with issues related to poverty. To combat that barrier of stress, organizations around the world are making financial decisions easier for people experiencing poverty by making borrowing easier and automating future financial planning, like 401(k) contributions.

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Does Impact Investing Work? Vital Capital Case Study Shows It Does

Devin Thorpe

June 26, 2013 |

Forbes |

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Over 3000 Words

Response Location: Angola, Luanda

Everyone wants to eradicate poverty - but how can it actually be done? Vital Capital, an impact investment firm, aims to make change and lift people out of poverty in Angola.

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Detroit Businesses See Opportunity In Bankruptcy

Sarah Hulett

June 20, 2013 |

NPR |

Radio |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Detroit, Michigan

In Detroit, many business owners and the city itself hope that filing for bankruptcy will help the city start fresh and ultimately become a thriving urban center, mirroring other cities that recovered from near financial ruin.

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For Ambitious Nonprofits, Capital to Grow

David Bornstein

June 27, 2012 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

Funding with too many strings attached makes it hard for non-profits to grow and be impactful. An American organization, Nonprofit Finance Fund (N.F.F.) Capital Partners division, is finding ways to finance non-profits likes companies and has already shown great success in pilot situations.

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On the Road, and Out of the Red

Lisa Margonelli

August 11, 2011 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Keene, New Hampshire

More Than Wheels, a New Hampshire-based non-profit offers an economically stable solution to the high cost of owning a car. The program offers low-cost car loans that go toward the purchase of fuel-efficient vehicles.

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When Lenders Won't Listen

David Bornstein

December 10, 2010 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Ohio

In part, miscommunication between bankers, brokers and homeowners created the 2008 economic crisis. Protection laws mandating better labeling and trusted third-party intermediaries could improve communication and help prevent another crisis.

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Foreclosure Is Not an Option

David Bornstein

December 06, 2010 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Cleveland, Ohio

Foreclosure affects millions of homeowners and millions more owe more on their mortgages than what their homes are worth, but Empowering and Strengthening Ohio’s People (ESOP), offers assistance. As a free service to borrowers, ESOP holds lenders accountable with fair lending agreements, creates constructive communication, and ultimately saves homes.

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