All Change Agent
A credit card that steers consumers out of debtThe Trust Card, or 'un-credit card,' helps low-income borrowers shed unhealthy debt and stay out of debt while accessing affordable credit.
MacArthur recepients show 'what's working best'The MacArthur Foundation has given a financial boost to seven 'highly creative' nonprofit groups that have 'outsized impact in bringing about social change.'
Money pools: a centuries-old savings tool reinventedeMoneyPool updates and improves on the 1,000-year-old practice of poor people pooling their savings as an informal banking system.
Darfur cookstove project brings economic, health benefitsTen thousand efficient cookstoves are being delivered to communities in Darfur, saving more than 300,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions over 10 years and bringing other benefits, such as a lower cost for fuel and less smoky homes.
'The Sockman' Tom McNamara is all about feet and greetRetired teacher Tom McNamara travels the US handing out socks to the homeless while listening to their stories.
Valerie Weisler takes on bullying with the Validation ProjectThe Validation Project aims to put a worldwide end to bullying. The project, founded by 15-year-old Valerie Weisler, helps youths 13 to 25 change the world one person at a time.
Bill Gross helps farm families in need through Farm RescueNonprofit Farm Rescue plants and harvests crops free of charge for farmers who have been touched by illness, injury, or a natural disaster.
A 'pay-it-forward' approach to funding solar projectsDonations to the California nonprofit RE-Volv don't just fund one solar installation, but circulate from one project to the next.
Irene Santiago: women are vital peacemakersBuilding on her role in negotiating a ceasefire between Muslim insurgents and the Philippines government, Irene Santiago has become an advocate for women as a vital part of any peace talks.
To rise out of poverty Asian women head to the libraryFor more than 2 million rural villagers across South Asia, libraries provide powerful ways to learn skills, network with other women, and become agents of change.
Their goal: find a million science and technology mentors for girls and young womenMillion Women Mentors, launched Jan. 8, will reach out to at least a million girls and young women in the next four years and support them in pursuing STEM careers and education.
Growing insects: Farmers can help bring back pollinatorsWith a sharp decline in pollinating insects, farmers are being encouraged to grow flowering plants that can support these important insects. It’s a fledgling movement that could help restore pollinators essential for world food production.
Scholarship program to aid immigrantsUnder the program, about 2,000 'Dreamer' students are expected to have their tuition, fees, and books paid for with scholarship funds.
Pomegranates vs. poppies: an ancient fruit could fight the drug tradeEfforts to steer Afghan farmers away from growing poppies for the illegal drug trade have largely failed. But one promising new alternative is the pomegranate, an ancient and delicious fruit. Demand for it in the West is soaring.
Allan Savory: Save the world's food supply through a grazing revolutionAllan Savory's idea for a grazing revolution is radical and yet simple: Mimic the behavior of natural herds that once grazed the grasslands to prevent soil degradation and desertification – and safeguard the world's food supply.
Pete Seeger: How can I keep from singing?Folk legend Pete Seeger talks about his life in music and social activism – and the power of making millions of small changes.
Civitas: Romania's multitasking NGOFrom job training for public officials and youths to helping farmers market their crops, nonprofit Civitas works in many directions to improve lives in Romania.
Susan Langford connects young and old with 'Magic Me'Britain's Magic Me links children and teens with senior citizens through joint arts projects.
Coffee talk (and action): David Griswold uses empathy to get farmers a fair dealSustainable Harvest pays smallholder coffee farmers a premium price while sharing with them its knowledge of the coffee business. Farmers learn how the coffee supply chain works – right up to the consumer's cup.
Mobilizing young men in India to end violence against womenA small but growing number of organizations in India are tackling gender-based violence at its root, making men a central part of the solution.
