Harvard University’s Global Equity Initiative Publishes Research on the Effect of Giving on Equitable Development

Last year alone, Mexican migrants living in the United States sent billions of dollars back to families and relatives living in Mexico. Most of these funds were for private consumption, but more and more of these resources also support social and philanthropic endeavors in emigrants’ countries of origin, according to a new publication of Harvard University’s Global Equity Initiative, a Hewlett Foundation grantee.

The book, New Patterns for Mexico, written in Spanish and English, asks: what are these new patterns of diaspora giving and how do they affect equitable development in Mexico. New Patterns for Mexico, was edited by Barbara Merz, who is director of the Philanthropy Program at the Global Equity Initiative.  The book is available through Harvard University Press:

http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog/MERNEW.html

This publication continues Harvard University’s Global Equity Initiative Research Series on the relationship between diaspora engagement and equitable development.  Since 2004, the Global Development Program at The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation has supported the Global Equity Initiative’s research on diaspora philanthropy in Mexico.  The Initiative was established at Harvard in 2002 to respond to the need for scholars and practitioners to work together to address issues related to equitable development. Its mission is to promote global equity by contributing research and ideas, connecting diverse actors in the development field, and stimulating the next generation of non-profit leaders.

The Hewlett Foundation has had a long history of providing support for U.S. and Mexico-based organizations and institutions working to improve the quality of life in Mexico. The Foundation supports efforts to strengthen Mexican civil society, increase local philanthropy, support government transparency, and create a cleaner and healthier environment. In 2006, the Hewlett Foundation deepened its commitment to Mexico with the establishment of a new permanent office in Mexico City, which houses staff working in the Foundation’s Global Development and Environment Programs.