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There are three basic types of leverage through which the GDI
Foundation will help to apply the capability of networks and social
entrepreneur ventures to the priority challenges. |
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First, the GDI Forum is intended to become a
knowledge-sharing network among senior executives and professional service
providers with extensive experience in this market. That should help
companies to develop their investment plans faster and better through shared
knowledge of "proven solutions", "lessons learned", useful contacts,
insights into risks and pitfalls, etc. |
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Second, the GDI Foundation is expected to invest in
innovative initiatives by social entrepreneur ventures in this market,
somewhat like an early stage "angel" venture capitalist with clear social
ROI objectives rather than just financial objectives. This should help
to quickly grow such ventures to scale so that they become self-sustaining
and have a greater market impact. |
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Third, the GDI Foundation may choose to invest in innovation
initiatives by communities in transition, such as to help attract other
support (like a "challenge" grant role) and "jump start" the initiative to
move forward quickly to achieve the desired impact in the community.
It will generally not make long-term funding commitments. Instead, the
expected role will be to help launch significant innovations and high impact
initiatives to create better market conditions for business, and then use
the knowledge gained through that experience to replicate the success, learn
from mistakes, or adapt the ideas to the needs of other communities facing
similar challenges. |
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The actual funding priorities of the Foundation, and the
leverage achieved through the investment choices made, will be driven by the
board members with the advisory input from GDI Forum members about suggested
innovations which merit support. The scope of funding will depend on
the level of commitment among GDI Forum members. |
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More details about the plans will be shared during 2006 as we
execute the launch plan and consult new members about their interests and
suggestions. |
