China Philanthropy

CSR in China: Past, Present, and Future

Today we bring you a guest post from Plan China's Zheng Wei. Zheng is primarily responsible for implementing the organization’s corporate-community partnership strategy with multinational companies and foundations and advising companies on effective community programs. Having worked both at Plan’s fundraising offices in Canada as well as the field offices in rural China, he has gained a good understanding about the needs from both the donor and the field.

When we look at the present state of China we can see two distinct faces. The first is one of rapid economic development and continuous prosperity over the last two decades. The other is that of the rural areas, which lag far behind the developed cities especially in environmental and social challenges. Over one hundred million people in China still live on less than a dollar a day. Other challenges for the country include large-scale migration, a declining child population, approximately thirty-four million children living in poverty, and if it remains unchecked, the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Dec 2nd: SVG at Harvard Kennedy School

Social Enterprises & Philanthropic Investment in China: 

How to Break New Ground in Emerging Markets

A Lunch Dialogue With: 

Michael Chu Senior Lecturer, Harvard Business School Social Enterprise Initiative; Managing Director, IGNIA Fund in Mexico dedicated to investing in commercial enterprises serving low-income populations in developing countries

Grace Chiang
 Co-Founder and Managing Director, Social Venture Group in Shanghai and Hong Kong

Moderator: Xing Hu Domain Manager, Nonprofits in China Domain of Practice, Hauser Center of Nonprofit Organizations at Harvard

December 2, 2009   
1:30–3:00pm, Lunch Provided

Nye B & C, Taubman Building 5th Floor, Harvard Kennedy School

Co-organized with Harvard Initiative for Nonprofits and Social Entrepreneurship in China [HINSEC], and HKS China Caucus

Reflections on the Hong Kong Social Enterprise Summit 2009

Social Enterprise (SE) is becoming a sector to watch in the Greater China context. On November 13 and 14, I attended the Social Enterprise Summit (SES) 2009 in Hong Kong. Organized by the Hong Kong Policy Research Foundation (PRF), this year’s theme was “Development Strategies, Partnerships and Investment opportunities.” Participants came from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macao and Mainland China. The purpose of the event was to create a platform for further dialogue among social enterprises, governments, investors, as well as, academic institutions in the Greater China region. For me, the two-day conference was a precious opportunity to get connected with others outside of just the Mainland context. It was also great for catching up with the latest thoughts and developments in the social enterprise stratum.  Here are some of my key takeaways from the time:

Gratitude in Ancient Chinese Wisdom

Gratitude and thankfulness are often important motivations for our giving to others.  Here are SVG team member Renee's favorite Chinese idioms & wise sayings about this subject.  To our American clients and readers, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

-- The SVG Team 

滴水之恩，当涌泉相报 ——《增广贤文·朱子家训》 dī shuǐ zhī ēn, dāng yǒng quán xiāng bào The gift of a single drop of water yields a foundation of gratitude. -- The Folk Philosophy, Zhu Family Disciplines 落其实者思其树，饮其流者怀其源 ——庾信 luò qí shí zhě sī qí shù, yǐn qí liú zhě huái qí yuán When you eat fruit, remember the tree; when you drink from the stream, remember the source. -- Yu Xin 知恩图报，善莫大焉 ——《说苑·复恩》 zhī ēn tú bào, shàn mò dà yān Cherish the kindness of others and seek to repay it. -- Shuo Yuan (Garden of Anecdotes) 投之以桃，报之以李 ——《诗经》 tóu zhī yǐ táo, bào zhī yǐ lǐ.   Don’t forget the good others have done you and seek to return the favor. -- The Book of Odes 恩欲报，怨欲忘；报怨短，报恩长 ——《弟子规》 ēn yù bào, yuàn yù wàng, bào yuàn duǎn, bào ēn cháng Gratitude should last forever while the malice of others is quickly forgotten. -- Brothers Disciplines

Announcing our Chinese Blog!

In addition to our English blog, we now have a version in Chinese . Click here to take a look at our latest posts. We will be translating some of our favorite posts from this blog as well as adding some exclusive articles related directly to our Chinese readership. All translated articles will also have a link to the Chinese version. Please help us spread the word to Chinese in your networks!