History

• Founded in 1980 by Bill Drayton in Washington, DC
• Named, created and pioneered the global field of social entrepreneurship
• Elected the first Ashoka Fellows in India in 1981
• Started with an annual budget of $50,000, grown to nearly $30 million in 2006

Philosophy

Ashoka was founded on the premise that the most effective way to promote positive social change is to invest in social entrepreneurs with innovative solutions that are sustainable and replicable, both nationally and globally.

Ashoka is represented by the oak tree. A strong, sturdy tree, the oak represents the power of Ashoka's commitment and contributions to building the profession of social entrepreneurship. A broad-spreading tree, it is symbolic of those dimensions of Ashoka's programs that select, launch and foster collaborations among social entrepreneurs around the world.

Origin of the Name

Named to honor Ashoka, the Indian leader who unified the Indian subcontinent in the 3rd century BC, renouncing violence and dedicating his life to social welfare and economic development. For his creativity, global mindedness and tolerance, Ashoka is renowned as the earliest example of a social innovator.

Vision

Ashoka envisions a world where Everyone is a Changemaker: a world that responds quickly and effectively to social challenges, and where each individual has the freedom, confidence and societal support to address any social problem and drive change.

Mission

Ashoka strives to shape a global, entrepreneurial, competitive citizen sector: one that allows social entrepreneurs to thrive and enables the world’s citizens to think and act as changemakers.

Approach

To ensure that the leading ideas for social change are fully developed and sustained, we have designed an approach that offers critical interventions on three levels?the individual, the group, and the sector.

• Supporting Social Entrepreneurs Social entrepreneurs are the engines of social change and role models for the citizen sector. Ashoka identifies and invests in leading social entrepreneurs and helps them achieve maximum social impact.

• Promoting Group Entrepreneurship Groups and networks of social entrepreneurs working together accelerate and spread social impact. Ashoka engages communities of entrepreneurs and develops patterns of effective collaborations that change entire fields.

• Building Infrastructure for the Sector A global network of changemakers requires tools and support systems to deliver sustainable social solutions. Ashoka creates needed infrastructure, such as access to social financing, bridges to business and academic sectors, and frameworks for partnerships that deliver social and financial value.

Around the World

• Established programs in over 60 countries and supports the work of over 1800 Fellows
• Employs 160 staff in 25 regional offices throughout Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa

Legal and Financial Status

• Registered 501c3 not-for-profit organization in the United States
• Financed by individuals, foundations and business entrepreneurs from around the world. Ashoka does not accept funding from government entities. Individual and institutional endowment funds provide for Ashoka's long-term stability.
• 2006 Summary of Results
• Form 990s:
• • Fiscal Year 2004
  • Fiscal Year 2005
  • Fiscal Year 2006
• Tax ID# : 51-0255908