Google aims to redefine philanthropy

With its funding of renewable energy and early-warning systems for drought and infectious diseases, Google.org is innovating in and disrupting the world of corporate philanthropy just like Google did by turning online ads into big business, pushing desktop data into the internet cloud, and jumping into the mobile and wireless spectrum industries.

But when it comes to philanthropy, rivals probably won’t complain when Google steps on their toes.

Google.org on Thursday announced that it would spend more than $25m (£13m) in new grants and investments for projects such as predicting and preventing infectious disease outbreaks, like Sars; monitoring climate changes in ecosystems in Africa and the Amazon; helping governments in under-served countries improve their public services; and funding small businesses in developing regions.

Full article: zdnet.co.uk