Open Society Institute

There are few people that blur the lines between politics, finances, and philanthropy so ambiguously as George Soros. Naturally, this ambiguity—plus his recent heavy criticisms of George Bush—has made Soros a figure of controversy. Born in Budapest, Hungary on August 12, 1930, he left his communist homeland in 1947 after surviving Nazi occupation in World War II. Relocating in England, he graduated from the London School of Economics (LSE) where he was profoundly influenced by philosopher Karl Popper, from whom Soros developed his own concept of “open society.” This concept is, according to Soros, central to all his political and philanthropic activities although there are many who suspect whether this is true or whether it is merely a mask for more selfish aims.

The Open Society Institute (OSI), a private operating and grantmaking foundation, aims to shape public policy to promote democratic governance, human rights, and economic, legal, and social reform. On a local level, OSI implements a range of initiatives to support the rule of law, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, OSI works to build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as combating corruption and rights abuses.
OSI was created in 1993 by investor and philanthropist George Soros to support his foundations in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Those foundations were established, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism. OSI has expanded the activities of the Soros Foundations network to other areas of the world where the transition to democracy is of particular concern. The Soros foundations network encompasses more than 60 countries, including the United States.

Business Development & Entrepreneurship

Through a variety of innovative approaches and demanded services, the Economic and Business Development Program (EBD) provides the foundation and opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and donors to achieve their goals of self-employment, effective growth, and self-reliance.

The EBD's business development and entrepreneurship focus area may be divided into the four sub-categories outlined below: social investments, business development services, SME policy, and entrepreneuship.

NOTE: The EBD does not award grants on a tender basis, but does accept innovative proposals for potential consideration as related to its focus areas. The EBD does not accept proposals for programs within the United States.

Social Investments

The EBD provides financing opportunities for organizations with double bottom lines and strong social missions, and promotes new and innovative approaches to business services. View a list of organizations supported by the EBD under this sub-category.

Business Development Services

The EBD supports innovations in business services in several countries to create viable markets for services for micro and small businesses. View a list of organizations supported by the EBD under this sub-category.

SME Policy

The EBD seeks to create environments that enable SMEs to grow, prosper, and contribute to the development of their local societies.

Entrepreneurship

The EBD considers entrepreneurship one of the most important strategies for increasing opportunities for self-employment and expanding jobs in countries in economic transition.

http://www.soros.org