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Madagascar skirted famine – barely. Now, it's boosting resilience before drought returns.

Peter Ford

July 25, 2017 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Madagascar, Ambovombe, Androy

Drought in Madagascar grows worse each year as its minimal public infrastructure and extensive poverty slow efforts by the UN and various NGOs for food and water distribution. But in recognizing the severity of the cyclical water shortages, organizations are piloting new approaches. These include solar pumps from portable groundwater sources; distribution and cultivation of drought- and rot-resistant seed strains for staple crops; cash-stipends for "productive goods," delivered by phone to bypass the problem of damaged roads -- which are building newfound resilience among residents.

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Let's Enjoy Walking for the Benefits of Better Health -- Smart Wellness Point Project

Yuka Kume

June 30, 2017 |

Japan for Sustainability |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Japan, Date, Fukushima

Japan is a rapidly aging country. To help combat present and future ramifications it has implemented "Smart Wellness City Comprehensive Special Zones to Achieve Health and Longevity" to encourage and reward healthy living. So far it has resulted in citizens leading more active lives, BMI decreases for those who had a BMI of over 25, and lower medical costs.

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Participatory Budgeting: The People's Budget

Sophia Paliza-Carre

April 26, 2017 |

WNYC |

Multi-Media |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: United States, North Shore, Staten Island, New York

Participatory budgeting is a way for citizens to directly influence government spending. The idea is taking off in New York with city councils in all five boroughs now putting money into these “people’s budgets.” Citizens propose ideas of how to spend the money, usually one million dollars or more, then vote. Past projects have included creating a teen space, planting trees, and building a community recording studio.

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When a Few Bucks Can Get a Student to the Finish Line

Tina Rosenberg

March 17, 2017 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Atlanta, Georgia

At Georgia State University in Atlanta, a couple of hundred dollars can often be the tipping point for whether a student can graduate or not. To address this issue and to further help low income students, the college has implemented a retention grant system, providing these essential funds to get students over the finish line.

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Peru: Cutting Poverty

Fi Glover Henrietta Moore Martha Lane Fox

January 01, 2017 |

BBC |

Radio |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: Peru, Lima

Between 2005 and 2015, Peru cut its poverty rate in half. Though there is still more work to be done, Peru can attribute its success to several reasons. The combination of inclusive economic growth and targeted, high-impact social programs showed clear results. By giving monthly cash stipends to female heads of household and helping youth as well as the elderly, Peru has seen a sizable decrease in economic inequality.

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'Bribing' Mums To Feed Their Kids

Emma Wilson Sahar Zand

December 18, 2016 |

BBC |

Radio |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: Peru, Tarma, Junín

One in three children in Peru are stunted by a lack of nutritious foods in their diet. In 2005, the government gave cash hand-outs to poor mothers, but only on the condition that they had regular health check-ups and their children went to school. By 2014 the number of children growing up too small had halved.

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How program goes far beyond ‘paying kids to stop killing' each other

Jeff Seidel

December 17, 2016 |

Detroit Free Press |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Richmond, California

The police department and the Office of Neighbourhood Safety in Richmond, CA are lowering the number of homicides by identifying the youths most likely to commit crimes and giving them cash in return for compliance with their program.

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Program taps unusual weapon to stop killings: Respect

Jeff Seidel

December 17, 2016 |

Detroit Free Press |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Richmond, California

A program in Richmond California identifies and enlists felons and youth at-risk for firearm violence in a fellowship, and is credited for a 76% decrease in homicides in the city. Participants receive relationship building, life maps, excursions, stipends, intergenerational mentoring, and internships, and are paid for good behaviour.

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15 countries, other states use social impact bonds, too

Kristen Jordan Shamus

December 13, 2016 |

Detroit Free Press |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United Kingdom, Peterborough

A project launched in the United Kingdom uses social-impact bonds to reduce recidivism among prisoners, bringing together public and private resources to implement more effective and cost efficient social programs. Their success is inspiring other countries to follow suit.

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To fight poverty in Africa, a new-old solution: cash handouts

Ryan Lenora Brown

December 11, 2016 |

The Christian Science Monitor |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Lesotho, Maseru

The approach of giving cash straight to poor people - rather than funneling goods or services indirectly through the slow, diluted, and complex systems of charities or governments - is nothing new, but evidence of long-term success and sustainability are few. That's why many NGOs and governments are now coupling cash transfers with more comprehensive programs such as job training and financial counseling, as well as addressing some of the root causes that keep people poor, like lack of infrastructure and market access.

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