AVPN, in collaboration with the Bayer Foundation, has launched a $5 million fund aimed at developing climate solutions to improve health in vulnerable communities. The Lighthouse for Asia Fund will focus on climate-health solutions and water and sanitation services. The fund seeks to address the significant funding gap in climate adaptation, particularly for human health, which requires $3.52 billion. Grants of up to $200,000 will be available, with the goal of fostering over 20 solutions in the first round. The initiative follows the COP29 summit in Baku, where a $300 billion climate finance deal was criticized by developing nations. AVPN aims to involve social impact investors to alleviate the burden on governments, with the Bayer Foundation supporting the effort to catalyze additional capital.

Veteran investor Mark Mobius highlights U.S. tech companies with a focus on emerging markets as prime investment opportunities, emphasizing their role in productivity enhancement. He points to companies involved in AI and semiconductor production, particularly in Taiwan and Malaysia, as key players in the economic boom. Despite concerns over high valuations of Big Tech stocks, Mobius remains optimistic about their growth potential, especially Nvidia, which has thrived amid the AI boom. He advises investors to consider the growth rate over traditional valuation metrics.

A new nonprofit, ImpactSG, has been launched in Singapore to provide philanthropy expertise to family offices and foundations, aiming to position the city-state as a hub for structured giving in the ASEAN region. The organization, co-founded by figures from both the public and private sectors, will focus on impact measurement and data-driven giving. Singapore's strategy to attract wealthy families is part of a broader competition with Hong Kong to become a leading international philanthropy center. The nonprofit will not fund directly but will match funding with needs, focusing on areas such as career exposure, rental household support, and cancer treatment funding in Southeast Asia.

A coalition of nonprofit networks, including the Council on Foundations and Independent Sector, opposes a US bill that could label nonprofits as 'terrorist supporting' without transparency. The legislation, Section 4 of HR 9495, grants the US Secretary of the Treasury authority to designate nonprofits without providing evidence, potentially harming their reputation and operations. Critics argue this could stifle nonprofit work and erode public trust. The bill is seen as part of a broader campaign against diversity and inclusion, with potential political implications for nonprofits, especially under conservative leadership.

Jacqueline Bouvier Copeland, founder of Black Philanthropy Month, is stepping down after over a decade of leadership, marking a significant transition for the movement focused on Black giving and funding equity. Black Philanthropy Month has highlighted systemic inequities in funding, with only 1-2% of US funders reaching Black communities despite significant charitable contributions from Black Americans. Copeland, credited with initiatives like the 'My Brothers Keeper' program, emphasizes the importance of passing leadership to the next generation. Floyd Jones, founder of the BackBlack Movement, will succeed her, continuing efforts to support Black-led organizations.

The Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation in the UAE has launched an initiative to increase women's participation in the AI sector, reflecting a broader trend of equipping professionals with AI skills. The foundation, established by Emirati businessman Abdulla Ahmad Al Ghurair, aims to improve education in the Emirates. AI is increasingly seen as a tool for reducing costs in nonprofit operations, though many civil society organizations struggle to engage with the technology. Additionally, UAE's president has established Erth Zayed Philanthropies to unify humanitarian and philanthropic efforts.

Nine high-net-worth families and foundations have pledged $405 million towards climate-related philanthropy, marking Canada's largest climate pledge. This initiative aims to address Canada's historically low contribution to climate philanthropy, which is below the global average. The Trottier Family Foundation leads the contributions with $150 million, followed by other significant pledges from various foundations. The funds will focus on clean energy, industry, emission reduction, and policy. The announcement, facilitated by the Clean Economy Fund, coincided with COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, emphasizing the need for increased global climate philanthropy to meet international targets.

Caroline Cai, CEO of Pzena Investment Management, advocates for increased exposure to Chinese stocks, citing extreme valuations as a key opportunity despite challenging macroeconomic conditions. While Pzena has increased its investment in Chinese equities, others like Adam Coons of Winthrop Capital Management remain cautious, awaiting market stability. China's recent economic measures, including those by the People's Bank of China, aim to stimulate growth. In Japan, despite political uncertainties, small-cap companies are seen as promising due to potential improvements in corporate governance and the domestic economy.

AVPN and OutcomesX have launched a Social Outcomes Platform in Asia to address a $1.5 trillion Sustainable Development Goals deficit. The platform, inspired by social impact bonds and the carbon offsetting market, aims to streamline funding and verification of social outcomes. Seed funding came from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Google.org, and the Sorenson Impact Foundation, with additional support from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The platform aims to reduce reporting time for impact projects and improve capital deployment efficiency. However, some critics argue that the outcomes-specific model may be outdated and compartmentalizing. The initiative aligns with Singapore's goal to become Asia's center for philanthropy.

The Open Society Foundations, founded by George Soros, announced a $20 million funding initiative for Haitian civil society amid a severe humanitarian crisis. Haiti faces a power struggle between armed militias and a humanitarian crisis, with gang violence impeding aid delivery and essential services collapsing. The funding is part of a campaign with the Kellogg Foundation and Pockets of Hope to support community-led programs in education, health, and economic security. The UN's children's agency warns of a 'catastrophic' crisis, with significant impacts on health institutions and essential services.