Philanthropy Google’s Way: Not the Usual

September 14, 2006

By KATIE HAFNER

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 13 — The ambitious founders of Google, the popular search engine company, have set up a philanthropy, giving it seed money of about $1 billion and a mandate to tackle poverty, disease and global warming.
But unlike most charities, this one will be for-profit, allowing it to fund start-up companies, form partnerships with venture capitalists and even lobby Congress. It will also pay taxes.
One of its maiden projects reflects the philanthropy’s nontraditional approach. According to people briefed on the program, the organization, called Google.org, plans to develop an ultra-fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid car engine that runs on ethanol, electricity and gasoline.
The philanthropy is consulting with hybrid-engine scientists and automakers, and has arranged for the purchase of a small fleet of cars with plans to convert the engines so that their gas mileage exceeds 100 miles per gallon. The goal of the project is to reduce dependence on oil while alleviating the effects of global warming.
Google.org is drawing skeptics for both its structure and its ambitions. It is a slingshot compared with the artillery of charities established by older captains of industry. Its financing pales next to the tens of billions that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will have at its disposal, especially with the coming infusion of some $3 billion a year from Warren E. Buffett, the founder of Berkshire Hathaway.
But Google’s philanthropic work is coming early in the company’s lifetime

Four-year wait to be Aussie

MIGRANTS will have to wait at least four years before becoming Australian citizens under a Federal Government proposal expected to be announced today.
They will have also have to take an English language test – and failure would stop them becoming Aussies.
The measures are expected to be listed in a discussion paper to be released by parliamentary secretary for immigration Andrew Robb.
Prime Minister John Howard said yesterday the English language requirements feature "prominently" in the package.
"I am keen on everybody learning the English language as soon as possible," he said. "It is absolutely essential."
The Daily Telegraph understands the proposals also include an increase in the waiting period for people to become citizens from three years to four years.