Shaping Philanthropy

Room to Read is a global nonprofit working to address educational, gender and economic inequities affecting children around the world. Since its launch in 2000, the NGO has deployed almost US$1bn to deliver foundational learning to more than 52 million children, including thousands across Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine. Its literacy pillar comprises teacher training, the publishing of local language books, and the development of school and community libraries. And through its Girls Education ...

In this special live recording of the Shaping Philanthropy podcast, Nafez Dakkak, shares the story behind launching Anara Impact Capital, a groundbreaking US$50 million fund to support startups across MENA focused on learning, climate, and well-being. Anchored by Alfanar Venture Philanthropy, Anara is the first regionally-backed impact investment fund of its kind. The episode opens with a personal reflection on growing up in occupied Palestine and Dakkak’s decision to pivot from n...

Yousuf Caires is the executive director of Expo City Dubai Foundation, a new nonprofit organisation established by Expo City Dubai Authority to take forward the legacy of the Expo Live programme. In this episode of Shaping Philanthropy, Yousuf talks about why Dubai is so committed to supporting social entrepreneurs and how the new foundation is giving UAE university graduates the chance to launch new ventures through its Changemakers Academy. “We are trying to create a new wave of grassroots ...

Sunil Lalvani is a social entrepreneur and impact advocate who transitioned from running a global electronics business to tackling one of the world’s most urgent challenges, sustainable access to safe water. As the founder and CEO of Project Maji (Swahili for water), he now spends his time managing a network of solar-powered water kiosks to ensure long-term, cost-effective solutions for communities across Africa. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025, Project Maji provides more than ...

"Money alone is not the solution to the challenges we have today. The solution is to get us to change how we how we act.” That is one of messages shared by Maria Ahlström-Bondestam, a fifth-gen Finnish philanthropist, during her interview on Shaping Philanthropy. Speaking down the line from Helsinki, Maria shares her family’s journey into philanthropy, explains the focus on women and girls, how she measures impact, and why she takes collaboration so seriously. A co-founder of the Eva Ah...