An Eye Toward Philanthropy in 2013

Looking back on the past twelve months, I am thrilled by the results of IREX’ work and excited to consider the prospects for the coming year.  In 2012, with our generous donors’ support, it was possible to benefit more people than ever before. Over half a million lives have been touched this last year because an IREX’er -- in the U.S. and around the world -- was there to provide support. In doing so, we’ve had the privilege to work with more than 400 local partners in 125 countries.

As we look to 2013 and celebrating IREX’s 45th anniversary, I see the year ahead as an opportunity to do more to make a better world.  What we’ve accomplished provides the momentum and direction for what lies ahead. 

In thinking about our direction for IREX and trying to get a sense of where 2013 might take us, I took some time over the holidays to explore three books on development:  Philanthropy in America by Olivier Zunz, Give Smart by Thomas Tierney and Joel L. Fleishman, and Impact Investing by Antony Bugg-Levine and Jed Emerson.

Taken together, these authors highlight the growing importance of and potential for expanded not-for-profit, private enterprise and government collaboration to create stronger societies.  Donors, whether private or governmental, also are highlighting the need for effective measurable results.  Finally, in a world bursting with young populations, they tell us that development must produce jobs.

Here at IREX we are focused on these priorities.  In Iraq we are sharing insights from business leaders with universities as they develop career centers and reform curriculum to prepare graduates for the workforce. With the Gates Foundation and national governments, we are helping strengthen rural societies in Romania and Ukraine bringing together citizens, local  government leaders, NGOs and modern technology to rethink and redevelop community libraries.

Our new division combining media, technology and civil society organizes our work around innovation and results. Our educational programs stress new models to help define and record measurable results that guide us to improved models for this keystone sector of development. We are looking forward to opening offices in Latin America and the Middle East this year.

Expanding our frontiers of collaboration and commitment to productive change and innovation as well as emphasizing the quality of our work and partnership with local NGOs around the globe will remain the hallmarks of IREX.  Thank you for being part of this endeavor, and we promise you our best in 2013.