BRAC Partner Jolkona Foundation in The Seattle Times

The founders of Jolkona Foundation, a web-based organization that allows people to choose small philanthropic projects, were interviewed for an article in the Seattle Times on June 29, 2009. Adnan Mahmud, a Microsoft Program Manager, spoke on what is described as a 'democratization' of philanthropy thanks to the advent of new technology allowing ordinary people to become philanthropists.

Featured along with Mr. Mahmud was Scott Oki, a retired Microsoft executive who started SeeYourImpact. Both organizations operate with same basic idea that while most people may not be able to write checks in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, they would be more eager to contribute if they can see 'proof' that their small donations are making a real impact.

Jolkona Foundation allows people to choose projects that appeal to them, such as 'adopting' a mother and child, that will be funded by them on a one-to-one basis, and then allows them to follow up and see how their money has made a difference. Our partnership with Jolkona Foundation has the BRAC Limb and Brace Fitting Center featured as a project on Jolkona's website. Individuals can choose to sponsor an operation for physically disabled people in Bangladesh who will be fitted with an artificial limb or brace thanks wholly to the generosity of the individual donor. You can see before-and-after photos and a description of the project here.

Cheers to the Jolkona Foundation for being recognized for their great work, and a heartfelt thanks from BRAC for their support of our activities!