Ashoka's Venture Fund for Leading Social Entrepreneurs

Ashoka continues to build on our commitment to the highest quality due diligence possible,
even as we seek to grow the number of Fellows we elect each year. Regarding the performance
of the Venture program, while it is highly unlikely that Fellow elections will fall below the target,
it is possible that a sufficient number of leading social entrepreneurs meeting Ashoka’s criteria
will not be elected during FY2008 to meet the target. If the Venture funding gap is less than
anticipated, the Fund’s resources will nevertheless be directed at the financial support of
Ashoka Fellows and associated program expenses. If the Venture Fund does not reach its
target of $10 million, all resources will still be used to support otherwise unfunded Venture
activities. A poor fundraising environment cannot be predicted, whether due to broader
economic conditions or those specific to social entrepreneurship or this Fund.
Ashoka currently operates in over 60 countries worldwide. Expansions are underway
and planned in 2008 to the Philippines, China, and Russia. Resources from the Venture
Fund could be essential in the start-up phases of these new country programs. Conversely,
operations in existing country programs may be suspended due to a change in government,
macroeconomic collapse, or other circumstances. The possible geographic impact of the
Venture Fund cannot therefore be specified in advance. In case of expansion or closure,
Venture Fund resources will continue to be allocated to the countries of most need. Details
of the geographic disbursement will be made available in the Venture Fund End of Year
Report.
Ashoka Fellow Kathryn
Hall (USA) reaches young
at-risk mothers through
mentorship and coaching
which ensures that pre-natal
care goals are acheived
and babies are born
healthy to prepared and
supported mothers. Here
she visits with a young
mother in Honduras.