Emirates Foundation reveals change in name and strategy

Abu Dhabi Instead of offering short-term grants, the Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy will now operate under a new model of venture philanthropy, senior officials announced in the capital Tuesday.

At a press conference held Tuesday, the foundation revealed details of its strategy, and announced the foundation’s name change to Emirates Foundation for Youth Development.

Clare Woodcraft, the foundation’s CEO, explained how venture philanthropy calls for a shift away from short-term grants to long-term investment solutions. The Foundation will also engage more with the private sector to promote strategic long-term social investment instead of short-term sponsorships.

As part of its goals, the organisation will work to help youth build leadership skills that are geared towards helping them succeed in the private sector. It will also address specific social issues that hinder the progress of young people. In addition, the Takatof volunteering programme run by the foundation will be expanded.

Officials added that the foundation will also expand its activities into the Northern Emirates this year.

Emirates Foundation was established in 2005, as a philanthropic organisation under the directive of His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. It is chaired by Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs.