Bloomberg Philanthropies, King Baudouin Foundation, and Foundation Center Launch a Data Portal to Map, Share, and Expand Philanthropic Resources

NEW YORK, Sept. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Bloomberg Philanthropies, King Baudouin Foundation, and Foundation Center have announced the launch of Equal Footing, a data portal of philanthropic resources that includes research, maps detailing funding activities, and case studies. By providing these knowledge tools, Equal Footing enables users to see what types of development projects are underway, what solutions have had a measurable impact, and what needs are currently underserved. As a result, philanthropists, NGOs, and others will be able to learn, collaborate with each other, and leverage resources for maximum impact.

Each partner organization strives to provide people around the world equal footing to improve their lives. At launch, the Equal Footing tool focuses on effective economic development approaches to support women, their families, and their communities in three Central African countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda.

The free web portal includes:

• A mapping application that shows what organizations are funding specific projects in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda;
• Lessons from a largely untapped body of research, including full reports and key takeaways about efforts to support women's economic development in Central Africa as well as visual tools to aid understanding of complex issues;
• A diverse set of case studies, practical how-to materials, and content on topics like effective approaches to funding in conflict and post-conflict societies;
• More than 1,000 foundation and NGO profiles; and
• Additional resources that include key statistics, news feeds, and links to related organizations.

"Without good data, funders and non-profits don't know how to best target their resources and they can't measure what's working, which means we're missing out on many opportunities to improve people's lives," said Michael R. Bloomberg. "This new database will make sure help goes where it is needed most – and it will point the way to new opportunities for collaboration."

The project comes as a response to a range of challenges experienced by funders actively working in the region, such as a lack of information on funding, underutilized research about successful efforts, and missed opportunities for collaboration. It is the most comprehensive philanthropic database about this region, with plans to expand.

Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Brussels-based King Baudouin Foundation have a history of supporting projects across Africa and championing collaboration in their efforts to create results that are visible, meaningful, and sustainable. New York City-based Foundation Center, the leading authority on philanthropy worldwide and a trusted partner to organizations working on the ground, is responsible for a growing body of data-driven resources specifically designed to empower funders with the knowledge tools they need to be strategic.

Since 2008, Bloomberg Philanthropies has invested in training and education to increase economic opportunities for women and their families in post-conflict regions of Sub-Saharan Africa. Working with partners, including government, Women for Women International, and Sustainable Harvest, the funder provides a comprehensive training program that allows participants to generate income while becoming self-sufficient, helping to strengthen families and communities. To date this program has resulted in the training of over 140,000 women in rights, literacy, health, and vocational skills, including hospitality, brickmaking, beekeeping, coffee farming and exporting, pineapple farming, and artisan crafts making, among others.

"Equal Footing provides an unprecedented opportunity to promote learning and strengthen our impact through the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences," said Luc Tayart de Borms, managing director at the King Baudouin Foundation. "This project will make it possible to better understand the needs of local organizations and populations, as well as bring together the funders and agencies that support these communities."

"Foundation Center is pleased to work alongside Bloomberg Philanthropies and the King Baudouin Foundation to create a data portal that will benefit the entire sector," said Lisa Philp, vice president for strategic philanthropy at Foundation Center. "Through projects like Equal Footing, we aim to increase the flow of information to encourage more collaboration and greater impact."

Equal Footing resources can be accessed for free at http://equal-footing.org.

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About Bloomberg Philanthropies
Bloomberg Philanthropies' mission is to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: Public Health, Environment, Education, Government Innovation and the Arts. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg's charitable activities, including his foundation and his personal giving. In 2014, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $462 million. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @BloombergDotOrg.

About the King Baudouin Foundation
King Baudouin Foundation (KBF), based in Brussels, Belgium, is one of Europe's leading foundations and a founding member of the European Foundation Center. Aiming to make a lasting contribution to greater justice, democracy and respect for diversity, it encourages original ideas and supports projects and citizens who are committed to create a better society. KBF is active in Belgium, across Europe, and internationally. In Africa, its initiatives include the King Baudouin African Development Prize and various programs in Central Africa. Its American affiliate, the King Baudouin Foundation United States (KBFUS, www.kbfus.org), facilitates thoughtful, effective giving to Europe and Africa. For more information, please visit www.kbs-frb.be.

About Foundation Center
Established in 1956, Foundation Center is the leading source of information about philanthropy worldwide. Through data, analysis, and training, it connects people who want to change the world to the resources they need to succeed. Foundation Center maintains the most comprehensive database on U.S. and, increasingly, global grantmakers and their grants — a robust, accessible knowledge bank for the sector. It also operates research, education, and training programs designed to advance knowledge of philanthropy at every level. Thousands of people visit Foundation Center's website each day and are served in its five regional library/learning centers and its network of more than 450 funding information centers located in public libraries, community foundations, and educational institutions nationwide and around the world. For more information, please visit foundationcenter.org or call (212) 620-4230.

SOURCE Bloomberg Philanthropies

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