News

On December 5, 2012, Forum for Civic Initiatives (FIQ) celebrated the role of philanthropy in helping to develop Kosovo's nascent economy, during its fourth annual Fides Awards ceremony. The Fides Awards recognized five organizations and individuals, who have shown an extraordinary commitment to investing in Kosovo and its citizens through philanthropy.

On December 6, 2012, Partners Albania, Center for Change and Conflict Management recognized five groups and individuals for their contributions to philanthropy in Albania, at its second annual Philanthropy Awards ceremony. The Rockefeller Brothers Fund grantee recognized individuals, families, and businesses for their generosity and commitment to improving the quality of life for fellow Albanians.

While international sanctions against Iran have slowed the expansion of its nuclear program, they also have complicated geopolitical relations for the United States. The Iran Project, a Rockefeller Brothers Fund grantee, offers more analysis of the benefits and consequences of imposing sanctions against the country in the second of its series of reports on relations with Iran.

A recent New York Times article credits 350.org, a Rockefeller Brothers Fund grantee, for playing an instrumental role in the latest national movement of students encouraging their colleges and universities to divest endowment holdings in fossil fuel companies. Bill McKibben, 350.org's founder, has been visiting campuses across the country, speaking to sold-out audiences about sustainable investment initiatives and the effects they could have on climate change.

RBF grantee The Association Oktopus recognized winners of its Green Games competition at a ceremony in Belgrade, Serbia on December 4, 2012. Nearly 600 elementary and middle school students from 58 Serbian municipalities competed by developing video games with environmental themes. Winners were chosen by Serbian citizens, who voted via text message.

Barack Obama has overtaken Mitt Romney in advertising in 14 of the top 15 media markets in the country, according to analysis recently released by the Wesleyan Media Project, an RBF grantee. The report also examines the tone in advertising by the favored candidate during presidential election campaigns since 2000.

Introducing an Emissions Control Area, like those established in Europe and North America is a necessary action for China's Pearl River Delta, according to a new report released by Civic Exchange and the University of Hong Kong. The report is designed to assist policymakers in regulating toxic exhaust emissions from marine vessels.

Issues around natural resources in Afghanistan are a major driver of conflict in the country, according to a new study published by Afghanistan Watch, an RBF grantee. The report details situations involving land, water, mining, and timber. According to the report author, Renard Sexton, the natural resources sector has been overlooked as a driver of conflict, and policymakers should focus on allocating the division of these resources to help stabilize Afghanistan.

While U.S. military action would damage Iran's major nuclear facilities and weaken its military capabilities, consequences include direct and indirect retaliation against the United States and Israel, which would potentially lead to all-out regional war, according to an assessment by The Iran Project.

Rockefeller Brothers Fund trustee Justin Rockefeller is part of a new generation of philanthropists leading a shift toward socially responsible investing, according to an article in Institutional Investor. This transition is changing the country's wealth management industry, as Millennials, those born between 1978 and 2000, embrace impact investing, the idea that financial and social interests should go hand-in-hand.