Google.org Redux

by Nathaniel Whittemore · 2009-02-25 10:09:00 UTC
Topics:

The Google boys themselves

Some great thoughts in the blogosphere about the Google.org move:

  • Google.org's Shakeup: What Does it Mean?: Philanthropic adviser Sharon Schneider argues on her blog The Philanthropic Family that Google's unique strengths have never been a lot of money and that this move could better situate them in the larger social change space.

  • Google.org Announcment: Jessica at Reimagining CSR has an incredibly thoughtful analysis that basically comes down to the similar point that this could better allow Google.org to better harness its assets for good. She points out that she doesn't care if that comes from for-profit or non-profit investing, as long as its making the most impact. She does point out, however, that the skills needed for effective for-profit investors or non-profit grant makers are different, if similar.

  • Google's New Do-Good Strategy: Hubris, Genius, or Cutback in Disguise?: Fast Company blogger and Generation Debt author Anya Kamenentz ponders the interesting question of whether the Google.org move is really just a way to reframe a recession-inspired financial cutback.

  • Debating Google.org's Revamp: The Chronicle of Philanthropy's Caroline Preston has (as usual) a terrific roundup of the blogosphere's response to the news.

Nathaniel Whittemore is the founder of Assetmap. Previously he was the founding director of the Northwestern University Center for Global Engagement.
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