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Model Foundation

Empowering Youths to Support and Evaluate Effective Local Nonprofits

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MODEL FOUNDATION

The Model Foundation is an experiential program that empowers university students to support and evaluate effective local nonprofits and social enterprises. Through the program, students build empathy and leadership skills, and gain a deeper understanding of how to tackle social and environmental challenges in their community.

Empowering Future Leaders: How Model Foundation Works

Model Foundation equips and trains students with the skills to conduct high level research on local organizations focused on tackling social or environmental challenges. Students will select a local organization to research and will work on creating an evaluation of the organization’s work and impact. Students will then present their findings to an investment committee and compete for a chance to win grant funding for the organization they’ve researched.

Topics covered

  • Philanthropy
  • Due Diligence
  • Grant-Making
  • The RAISE Model

PREVIOUS EDITION

The 2022 Edition

For the sixth year in a row, PIM organized a program in partnership with SEO China to cover topics such as philanthropy, due diligence, the RAISE model, and grant-making. This year’s theme is Youth Actions in Environment and Climate Change.

A 2-day bootcamp equipped students with the skills to research local organizations working in the field of environmental education/action and come up with an evaluation. The program culminated in a presentation to the investment committee, where students presented their findings and competed for a chance to win grant funding of 50,000 RMB for their organization.

25

Participants

2

site visits

3787

USD Funding Granted

WHAT PARTICIPANTS SAID

“Without a doubt, I left the Model Foundation Program re-inspired and ready to pursue my career in the philanthropic sector.”

Model Foundation Alum ’17

“Practicing venture capital and investment skills with philanthropy, Model Foundation is an eye opener for any young person driven to find more innovative ways to maximize social good.”

Model Foundation Alum ’17

“The business models we studied changed my career path forever. I realized how I could do what I like to do – finance, accounting, investment – within social ventures in order to help people. I am so grateful for the opportunity given by PIM…. This is a changing point in my whole life.”

Model Foundation Alum ’18

“PIM connected me with people at the forefront of China’s social sector and inspired me to start my own China-focused social impact initiative… The people I met at Model Foundation are some of the brightest, most passionate young people I have ever come across – it’s amazing to have them as a support network.”

Model Foundation Alum ’18

“Coached by the PIM team, this was a comprehensive program from the start till finish. Through understanding the challenges, and trying to synthesize what I learned, I was able to broaden my skills in empathetic listening, negotiation, systems thinking, leadership, and teamwork, which all prove invaluable to strengthen.”

Model Foundation Alum ’19

“Being well-versed in impact is a competitive edge for aspiring finance and investment professionals.”

Sharadiya Dasgupta

Managing Director, Good Capital Project

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