This month's digest is focused on donors in the news. An interesting pattern can be seen with three of these donors - they are immigrants and support both domestic and international causes. The other two donors live abroad but are supporting programs in the U.S. Predicting donor behavior is becoming more and more complex. The lines between domestic and international giving are blurring. There are patterns emerging though and we hope to document some of them in the future.
* Kai-Fu Lee introduced his new venture, Innovation Works, at the annual conference of the Asian American MultiTechnology Association (AAMA) in Silicon Valley. Lee spoke about the Chinese internet market and explained why he left Google China to create Innovation Works. Kai Fu Lee gives to the community by fostering the professional growth of Chinese technology students in China. He supports an online resource and virtual community for young people to support their career and personal development. The site, called Wo Xue Wang (I learn) includes contributions and advice from Mr. Lee.
* Indian American brothers recognized for their philanthropy and commitment to the community by local community foundation and member of Congress. The Northern Virgina Community Foundation presented its Community Leadership Award for outstanding service and commitment to the Northern Virginia community to Sudhakar Shenoy (Founder, Chairman and CEO of IMC) and his brother Suresh Shenoy (EVP of IMC) last month. In addition, they were recognized on the floor of the House by Democratic member Gerald E. Connolly. The brothers were born in India and are both graduates of IIT Bombay (Indian Institute of Technology).
* Indian and Chinese donors abroad give a total of $3 million to Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester. The $1.5 million gift from the Wadhawan family will support the Rajesh Wadhawan Professorship Fund. The Fund will be used to support a full-time faculty member who plays a leading role in advancing the standing of the Simon School and management education through service and teaching contributions with a preference for a professor making an impact in India. Another $1.5 million gift came from Evans Lam, a native of Hong Kong. It will be used to attract global business scholars from around the world to the University.
Photo courtesy of autan
