Farber Program: 10 Year Results

By placing MBA students and graduates in REDF portfolio organizations, the Farber Program is designed to increase the success of the portfolio by providing access to management talent. Over the last decade, interns and fellows have worked with 19 REDF enterprises, and of the 114 projects completed, over 90% have been implemented fully or in part. Farber projects have had a real impact on the portfolio by helping organizations make informed decisions, such as whether or not to launch a new business, how to grow or improve existing businesses, or how to utilize new management tools.

The Farber Program was also designed to train leaders who will affect social change. In 2007, REDF conducted a survey of the Farber alumni to understand the impact of the Farber Program on their careers. Overall, 82% of alumni feel their Farber experience had a meaningful impact on their careers. Of the 45 Farber alumni surveyed:

• 42% work in the nonprofit sector
• 58% work in a mission driven role
• 63% are involved in the field of social enterprise
• 64% are active in their community

As an example of how Farber alumni are making their mark in the world, we have chosen to highlight the Farber Class of 2006 in this newsletter. While they have each chosen different paths, the entire class, without exception, speaks passionately about the intersection of business and social change and their individual roles in effecting positive change. More »

Farber Alum, Josh Spitzer, Publishes New Paper

Farber Alum Josh Spitzer (Stanford GSB, Farber Intern at Pedal Revolution, 2003) and REDF founding director Jed Emerson have published a paper titled, "From Fragmentation to Function: Critical Concepts and Writings on Social Capital Markets' Structure, Operation and Innovation" for the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship.

The purpose of the paper is twofold: to increase funds flowing into investments that generate social and/or environmental value in conjunction with some level of financial performance, and to help focus future research and development of social capital markets.