Naveen Jain Nonprofit News

Innovation is the Solution to Social Problems

Naveen Jain Nonprofit News — Mon, 14 May 2012 21:46:28 +0000

I recently read this John Quain article and he makes a great point. During the last 50 years of technological advancement we’ve lost sight of what innovation really means. Quain points out that one of the main reasons that true innovation has slowed is that it’s too expensive. In one sense, that’s true. Innovation does take numerous attempts before breakthroughs happen. One industry where the effects of this cost are extremely visible is pharmaceuticals. Researchers in the field will point out that the direction of their research is dictated by profitability. Since this isn’t in line with failure/breakthrough process of innovation, many ideas that could lead to potential breakthroughs in the future are left unexplored in an effort to capitalize on maximizing the profitability of current drugs. While there is nothing wrong with this approach, it certainly can’t be labeled innovation. So what is innovation? To quote Quain, “Innovation solves major problems facing humanity.” Next time you hear the word innovation used, take some time to think about if it’s being used correctly. There’s a very good chance it’s not. If we agree that this is the role of innovation is to solve humanity’s problems, then we must also agree that we as a society must demand more of those who claim to be innovators. It’s not enough that they find a new application for technology, but that application must do some good too.

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Start-Up Act and the Need for Innovation Recovery There is nothing wrong with regulation, but over-regulation will stop...

Solutions start with individuals

Naveen Jain Nonprofit News — Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:31 +0000

In April I spoke at TEDxMaastricht in Netherlands about solving world problems and improving healthcare and education.

I invite you to view the video of my speech and let me know what you think.

View Naveen Jain’s TedxMaastricht Speech Here

Entrepreneurial Philanthropy

Naveen Jain Nonprofit News — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 22:57:13 +0000

In my recent Huffington Post blog, I talked about how any venture, whether it is commercial or philanthropic, should aim at improving the lives of as many people as possible. I am convinced that by applying entrepreneurial values to philanthropy we will be able to meet the needs of the greatest number of people. To me, giving away money is just a temporary fix. Instead, we should approach philanthropy in a strategic and systematic way just as an entrepreneur approaches a new venture. That’s the only way to make a self-sustaining difference in the world.

From my experience, there are the four key elements for philanthropic success:

1. Overcome the Infrastructure.
2. Build Scale.
3. Make it Self-Sustaining.
4. Live an Entrepreneurial Life.

Philanthropists can learn important lessons from business entrepreneurs. They both spend their time solving problems. And to be successful they both must overcome physical challenges and create self-sustaining operations. And ultimately, they must allow people to take action for their own benefit.
Read the full article here.

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Solutions start with individuals In April I spoke at TEDxMaastricht in Netherlands about solving...

Earth Day 2012: What Are You Doing to Help Our Environment?

Naveen Jain Nonprofit News — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:58:39 +0000

“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.” This ancient proverb reminds us that it’s our job to take care of the earth and leave behind a better world for our children.

In light of Earth Day 2012, I challenge everybody to take a look around and think of some things you can do to improve our environment. Please share your ideas with me on Twitter, Facebook or Google +.

Happy Earth Day.

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Innovation is the Solution to Social Problems I recently read this John Quain article and he makes...
Putting that Pesky Penny to Good Use No one likes carrying around change, especially pennies. Some smart...
Nonprofit Gives the Gift of Sight A woman who was legally blind got more than she...

Putting that Pesky Penny to Good Use

Naveen Jain Nonprofit News — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 19:15:49 +0000

No one likes carrying around change, especially pennies. Some smart nonprofits are capitalizing on this. It’s a growing trend for US nonprofits to host annual coin drives which often raise thousands of dollars.

One United Way chapter raised $19,000 last year in their Pennies for Change campaign. Habitat for Humanity has jumped on the opportunity and launched a fund raising drive to collect 10 million pennies.

Some parents see coin drives as an opportunity to teach their children about raising money and giving back, in the same way a lemonade stand teaches them about business. Brilliant.

I encourage you to donate your small change for a big cause, because a little bit goes a long way.

Let me know how you give back by connecting with me on Facebook, Twitter or Google Plus.

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Nonprofit Gives the Gift of Sight

Naveen Jain Nonprofit News — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:59:28 +0000

A woman who was legally blind got more than she bargained for when she visited an optometrist in Seattle last fall. By that time, she was legally blind and doctors were telling her her vision would continue to deteriorate. She had lost her left eye from diabetes in 2005 and developed low vision in her right eye, making glasses useless.

While at the optometrist, the doctor had her try a Prisma machine, which works as a projector that hooks into a television. Amazingly, she was able to see well using the device. Through SightConnection in Seattle,the woman went home with the expensive machine at no cost. SightConnection is a private nonprofit vision-rehabilitation agency that receives most of its funding through grants and donations.

It’s inspiring to hear how this nonprofit gave the gift if sight. If you have a story like this, please share it with me through one of my social media sites:

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Intelius Employees Feed Hungry Families on Thanksgiving

Naveen Jain Nonprofit News — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 21:50:42 +0000

Intelius employees volunteer at Hopelink Food Bank

I’m proud of what Intelius employees have done for our community. We just finished our annual food drive and I was humbled to hear the numbers: employees donated nearly $10,000 from their paycheck ($20,000 with the company match) and filled over 300 boxes of food. Their efforts helped feed hundreds of hungry families in our community.

Read the full story here.
More photos here.

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Start-Up Act and the Need for Innovation Recovery

Naveen Jain Nonprofit News — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:47:28 +0000

There is nothing wrong with regulation, but over-regulation will stop budding entrepreneurs from ever reaching their potential. In our current economic state, it is true that entrepreneurs are going to be the most successful at growing the economy, and it is measures such as those proposed in the Start-Up Act of 2011 that will allow entrepreneurs to make an impact.

We Are More Connected Than You Think

Naveen Jain Nonprofit News — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:32:38 +0000

Facebook’s data team has come out with information proving that most Facebook users are only separated by four degrees.

“Facebook researchers pored through the records of all 721 million active users, who collectively have designated 69 billion “friendships” among them. The number of friends differs widely. Some users have designated only a single friend, probably the person who persuaded them to join Facebook. Others have accumulated thousands. The median is about 100.”

Read full article here.

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Entrepreneurial Philanthropy In my recent Huffington Post blog, I talked about how...
How to be a Smart Giver Americans give away $300 billion each year, but how effective...

New Website Revolutionizes Giving

Naveen Jain Nonprofit News — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 23:53:28 +0000

A new website, GiveBack.org, has evolved philanthropic gift giving to the point where every purchase is an act of charity. The site provides cash back to give to charity for any item bought from its nearly 500 national online retailers. The shopper can donate the money at any time to their favorite cause or causes, even one in their own community. Shoppers can choose their charity recipients from the IRS database of 501 (3) (c) corporations, about 1.2 million organizations.

Popular retailers on the site are Best Buy, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Macy’s, Wal-Mart, Nike, Staples, Disney, Home Depot and Avon.
Merchants direct from 2 to 40% percent of an item’s purchase price into a shopper’s foundation account set up on GiveBack.