ABU DHABI // The Emirates Foundation said it planned to bring “big data” into its campaign to eradicate some of the country’s social problems.
Clare Woodcraft, the foundation’s chief executive, said that with scientific analysis of information from more than 60,000 Emirati youths on its database, its programmes for social inclusion, community engagement, leadership and empowerment would be more effective.
“Five years ago we adopted the model of venture philanthropy, which is taking a business-based approach to creating social value,” Ms Woodcraft said. “You want something that is high impact and scaleable, so you really need metrics.
“If I want to respond to the needs of youth and trends of youth, I can’t do that without data so I need to go out and survey the youth, through interviews, social media. That kind of data can massively improve our programmes. I would like to have the bigger picture.”
Ms Woodcraft was speaking at the foundation’s fourth annual Youth Philanthropy Summit on Tuesday, where Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon, managing director of the foundation, also spoke at the opening of the summit.
“The summit serves as a platform for building a more comprehensive analysis of the situation facing young people today,” Sheikh Sultan said.
“The issues to be discussed today will help us create a more enabling and empowering environment for youth and contribute to the growth of the philanthropic sector in the region.”
He said there had been a shift from traditional philanthropic models to more effective ones.
“As the Emirates Foundation we are committed to our own transition from a traditional grant-making entity to one focused on venture philanthropy,” Sheikh Sultan said.
salnuwais@thenational.ae