Covalent Global is still pushing ahead and facing the problems associated with giving to Africa. Our approach, has not been to combat these problems but rather to acknowledge them and work to adequately address them. For us it is about understanding what we can do, while holding true to what we should do. We are in a better position because of this.

One of Covalent’s big efforts is cutting through the black box of the aid system. We want to go beyond online profiles and snap decisions on charitable giving to engage donors with communities and charities that provide vital support. We are trying to do so in a careful and meaningful way. We also face a number of very real constraints as mentioned in my last message.

The way we seek to meet these needs is through a school for donors in America. Each semester a select group of donors are admitted and empowered with the means to make amazing grants in Africa. Admissions is a highly selective process based on achievement and social responsibility. We select strong candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences. With admissions comes a wide array of benefits including: orientation; learning modules that draw from top experts in philanthropy, Africa, and aid; unparalleled international support in Africa; and the possibility of financial aid. The idea is to draw on America’s diverse leaders to support a wide array of charities and communities in Africa. Importantly, these donors retain their individual choice through advisory privileges of donor advised funds. This enables a thoughtful system of giving that avoids centralizing and concentrating powers by refreshing each semester.

After a donor goes through the program and makes a grant the work does not end there. In fact, it is just beginning. Through Covalent Global’s presence in Africa, starting in Kenya, we are able to see that the grant and the work is carried out properly. The information is relayed back to America to meet compliance standards and importantly to send to the donor. The donors are able to hear first-hand, about the challenges faced and the success and achievements of the work. They know just how their project is doing, this too is a learning process, and this enables them to make better giving decisions. Because of this, after a grant is completed donors become alumni and continue to have access to Covalent Global’s international giving services.

Thank you. Next week, I will discuss some financial matters. I will talk about the creative ways Covalent Global is using the idea of financial aid to assure that projects in Africa receive adequate support and the admitted class can be based the quality of the applicant.