Story Search Results

Advanced Search

There are so many ways to search the solutions journalism stories in this database. Explore our searchable fields:

Search Results

You searched for: -

There are 615 results for your search. View and Refine Your Search Terms

This Grantmaking Pyramid Strategy Ensures That Nonprofits Won't Topple

Ben Paynter

July 01, 2017 |

FastCompany |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

Traditional models of nonprofit funding, as well as pressure to limit overhead spending, have created an unsustainable system in which many organizations with otherwise great potential drown. Like private companies, nonprofits need to invest in their teams, offices, and research and development, "while putting aside some cash so they don’t live and die by the next grant cycle." The Ford Foundation is changing the ineffective result-driven method of funding nonprofits through its BUILD Program, which allows for better focus on organizational resilience and sustainability.

Read More
Go to Original Story
This Online Lender Uses Data Analytics To Serve Borrowers Who Lack Credit Scores

Jessica Goodheart

June 29, 2017 |

FastCompany |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Redwood City, California

Historically, banks have been largely hesitant to give small loans to individuals, particularly those with little or no credit history, which includes many immigrants and minorities. But an institution called Oportun is willing to bet on the underserved while still staying profitable as a business - they provide increased access to loans by leveraging a solid screening process, online resources, and credit score support for their customers.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Rethinking Homeless Shelters From the Ground Up

Krutika Pathi

June 28, 2017 |

Bloomberg CityLab |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

The homeless population in NYC stands at the highest number since the Great Depression. The Bowery Residents Committee has suggested changes to how shelters emerge, run and are funded. With a focus on results-based funding, the BRC advocates for the prioritization of impact on the people served. It rewards locations that demonstrate a high ratio of people moving in to those returning; "building to the function" of helping people re-enter society; and eliminating private landlords.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Making Microcredit Charities Better

Dyan Machan

June 17, 2017 |

Barron's |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Ghana, Pokuase

Microfinance was widely lauded for decades as a surefire and promising way to break the cycle of poverty and uplift the economies of the developing world, especially when targeted for women. But hard data has shown that, on its own, micro-loans don't serve to create sustainable change without a comprehensive approach, and that there are many other factors - such as education and healthcare - to consider when leveraging these tools.

Read More
Go to Original Story
U-Haul Invests in New England Wild Spaces

Leon Kaye

June 15, 2017 |

Triple Pundit |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Success, New Hampshire

U-Haul and supermarket supplier C&S Wholesale Grocers are striving to help offset their wood use by increasing donations to The Conservation Fund. This partnership has led to the promotion of the conservation of the Success Pond and its surrounding forest, the establishment of newly planted trees, and a significant investment in land easements that will restore and protect native habitats.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Creating “Better Buildings” With Solar Energy

Anne Cosgrove

June 12, 2017 |

Facility Executive Magazine |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Richfield, Minnesota

With the prices of solar technology dropping and the opportunity to save drastically on energy usage and costs, businesses and organizations across the country are investing more in solar infrastructure for their buildings and facilities. The Better Buildings Initiative of the US Department of Energy is helping by providing guidance and documenting effective approaches and financing for renewables installations - from hotels, to schools, to big box retail.

Read More
Go to Original Story
After Coal, a Small Kentucky Town Builds a Healthier, More Creative Economy

Peter Slavin

June 06, 2017 |

Yes! Magazine |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Hemphill, Kentucky

Many small towns in rural Appalachia are struggling to adapt to the greater evolutions of the American economy away from the coal industry. But some places, like the little town of Hemphill in Kentucky, are using the opportunity to get creative with local enterprise and unite the community in launching new ventures. The Hemphill Community Center is now a central resource for launching new small businesses, arts and cultural events, and fostering shared resources and renewed growth for the town.

Read More
Go to Original Story
The Philanthropy World Is Embracing Impact Investing

Ben Paynter

June 05, 2017 |

FastCompany |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Redwood City, California

The resources needed to tackle some of the world's most pressing social and environmental problems - from poverty to climate change to inequality - are generally far beyond the reach of governments and traditional philanthropies. Fortunately, the private sector is taking an increasing role in social entrepreneurship through the practice of impact investing. Organizations and individuals alike are investing funds into meaningful, scalable projects that are generally proven to also provide a return; a win-win for everyone that generates sustainable change.

Read More
Go to Original Story
The woman who wants you to rent used baby clothes

Dougal Shaw

June 03, 2017 |

BBC |

Broadcast TV News |

3-5 Minutes

Response Location: Denmark, Copenhagen

Movies, books, apartments: these are all things we commonly rent. One Danish couple is adding baby clothes to the list to reduce waste.

Read More
Go to Original Story
After the Nepal Earthquake, Weaving Brings Wealth

Liza Ramrayka

June 02, 2017 |

News Deeply |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Nepal, Kapilakot, Sindhuli

After Nepal's 2015 earthquake, many village women were left in financial devastation and struggled to support their families. The earthquake destroyed up to 90% of small enterprises and markets, so the United Nations Development Programme trained women how to weave. As a mode of recovery, the weaving industry has helped rebuild the economic and social structures through the Panchakanya group.

Read More
Go to Original Story