Groups from Mexico, India, Madagascar, Russia, Nigeria and USA change the world for the better

From helping public radio thrive in the digital age to defending human rights in Nigeria to seeking a more fair juvenile justice system in the United States, the eight nonprofit organizations in six countries that receive the 2008 MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions have diverse missions but a common link - a modest budget but a large impact.

“From its founding, the MacArthur Foundation has sought out people and organizations that have the creativity, energy and breadth of vision to change the world for the better,” said MacArthur President Jonathan Fanton. “These imaginative and influential small organizations have an impact altogether disproportionate to their size. They are addressing problems and injustices, finding fresh solutions, and proving themselves as leaders and innovators.”

International recipients of the 2008 award are:

Centro de Derechos Humanos de la Montana, Tlachinollan (Mexico) defends minority communities and brings violators of human rights to justice. Through its efforts, Tlachinollan is strengthening Mexico’s civil society and making it more inclusive;

Sangath (India) is a leader in child development, adolescent and family guidance, and behavioral and psychosocial health services. The organization provides direct services and conducts research to benefit India’s 350 million 10 to 24 year-olds;

Tany Meva Foundation (Madagascar) seeks to increase sustainable use of the environment, to educate and empower communities, and to save the threatened forests. It is the first environmental group in Madasgascar, one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet;

Kazan Human Rights Center (Russia) uses targeted litigation to bring widespread attention to the issue of police abuse. The Center calls on Russia’s legal system to observe the spirit of the law and defend the vulnerable;

Legal Defence and Assistance Project (Nigeria) offers support and legal assistance to political prisoners and defends human rights for all. By reforming the administration of criminal justice, and training government officials, it is instilling respect for the law as a key element of a healthy democracy.

The three recipients in the United States include Philadelphia’s Juvenile Law Center, whose work has helped change the public conversation about juvenile justice; Chicago’s Project Match, which works to make individuals and families more self-reliant and secure; and Public Radio Exchange of Cambridge, Massachusetts, which is leading public radio to become more interactive, diverse, and participatory.

The awards, which were announced April 10, 2008, will be presented in Chicago on June 12, 2008. Each organization will receive up to $500,000, significant support for groups with annual budgets under $2.5 million. The awards reflect the Foundation’s belief that it is often small or emerging organizations that generate provocative ideas, reframe the debate, or provide new ways of looking at persistent problems, and that a significant investment in such promising organizations can contribute to progress on an issue or in an area of work, and help position a small or new organization for long-term growth and impact. The Foundation does not seek or accept nominations for this award.

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is a private, independent grantmaking institution whose programs foster the development of knowledge, nurture individual creativity, strengthen institutions, help improve public policy, and provide information to the public, primarily through support for public interest media. With assets of $6.8 billion and grants and program-related investments totaling approximately $260 million annually, MacArthur is one of the largest private philanthropic foundations in the USA. The Foundation funds in four areas: the Program on Global Security and Sustainability; the Program on Human and Community Development; the General Program; and the MacArthur Fellows Program.

This story is adapted from information provided on the MacArthur Foundation website, which also provides information about the 2007 and 2006 award winners.

 

 

 

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