The Robin Hood Foundation

Posted: 24 Jun 2010

See all articles by Alnoor S. Ebrahim

Alnoor S. Ebrahim

Tufts University

Cathy Ross

Harvard University - Business School (HBS)

Date Written: May 19, 2010

Abstract

Created by hedge fund and financial managers, the Robin Hood Foundation fights poverty through grants to nonprofit organizations. As the global financial crisis continues to impact the poor disproportionately, the Foundation needs to ensure that its funds are being spent on the most effective poverty-fighting programs. The organization's senior vice president, Michael Weinstein, has developed a benefit-cost (BC) approach to analyze the performance of program grants. How effective is the method? Is funding programs with the highest BC ratios a good way to fight poverty? In three or five years' time, how will Robin Hood know if it is succeeding?

Suggested Citation

Ebrahim, Alnoor S. and Ross, Cathy, The Robin Hood Foundation (May 19, 2010). HBS Case No. 310-031, Harvard Business School General Management Unit, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1628621

Alnoor S. Ebrahim (Contact Author)

Tufts University ( email )

160 Packard Avenue
Medford, MA 02155
United States

Cathy Ross

Harvard University - Business School (HBS) ( email )

Soldiers Field Road
Morgan 270C
Boston, MA 02163
United States

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