TOMS founder, Blake Mycoskie. Handfitting shoes on children is a key part of TOMS' distribution model.

TOMS Shoes: A Closer Look

TOMS shoes promises that if you buy a pair of its canvas slip-ons, they’ll give a pair to a child in need. The company’s “Buy One, Give One” business model has been wildly successful. But we investigate whether TOMS is good aid by looking at how its shoes are distributed around the world, who they’re given to, and why.

In Praise of ‘Lost Causes’

In Praise of ‘Lost Causes’

In this holiday edition, we explore what happens when someone refuses to accept the idea of a “lost cause” and instead gets down to the work of transforming a troubled life.

The PlayPump

An Idea Sparked in Africa

For several years, I worked as a public radio and television correspondent in Africa. During that time, I traveled around the continent, seeing a range of social enterprise initiatives and aid programs on the ground, each meeting with varying degrees of success. I also discovered that well-intentioned ideas, poorly executed, can actually do harm.

A Great Beginning!

We are thrilled to announce that the Chronicle of Philanthropy is providing a generous contribution to the Tiny Spark pilot! The Chronicle’s reporters will also be contributing to our program.

Launching Soon!

We’re getting ready to launch our pilot show! Watch this space in the next few days for more details. Thank you for visiting!