Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Charity Portfolio Services for CSR divisions

I have been thinking on these lines for sometime. There is essentially a space for professionalising charity work. Charity done by many companies tends to be ineffective, or they do not have the requisite manpower to effectively monitor NGOs or charities, where they spend their money. Finding well-run and effective charities can take up a large chunk of time, dessuading smaller companies from getting involved.

Providing portfolio services for organisations or individuals who want to do charity but do not have the time and manpower for it, can be a much sought after service. Essentially, it would mean in tradional 'Portfolio services' sense that the provider of this service would be 'researching' charities and charity operations, and 'designing' a portfolio of charities according to specific requirements of the client. There will be a fixed fee in terms of percentage of the spends. The service provider wil be liable for the 'performance' of the portfolio. Here performance will have to be defined according to the objectives of the client (again similar to Portfolio services).

Second, related concept would be to have a Mutual Fund for charities. where there is a management fee similar to portfolio services, but no personalised portfolio building. As in Mutual funds, these would be formed with a Theme describing the objective of the fund, helping the 'investor' to decide where to invest in it. There would also be a fixed fee and this can take up an SIP route to investing in charities. Charties will also have to focus less on marketing and more on doing the actual work because they would have one or few large provider of funds.

Who can provide these services? Any professional with some experience in Social work and wants to do this for a living, with a passion. Incentives will more funds acording to the quality of work. This also gives a charity investor the right to ask about the performance and specific investments.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

My Next Bike Yamaha FZ-16



This is definitely something I can see myself riding. I think THIS bike is IT for me. The perfect replacement for My Pulsar 180 Classic. Even the colour looks the same. This is very much reminds me of the time I went crazy for a Pulsar.

Just look at it. Its a master-piece. Definitely worth the Rs.65k ex-showroom price tag. I will miss the extra grunt of the 180, but this one should be a lot more smoother and easy revving. I'm sure it will be a lot more sure footed. The seat looks wider for the rider and more comfortable, better curved, but tapers a lot for the pillion. Just one look at the detailing and we know, that Yamaha has really spent its time in making it as close to perfection as possible. You could just park it and watch

I really don't mind the milage of 36 kmpl,(source: Vicky.in) its not like i'm going touring on this. The CBZ-Extreme is a much better bike for the purpose. smooth, comfortable and reliable. Thats my second preference for a new bike. I'm sure the FZ will be reliable, but the riding position and the handling is a lot more sporty to be comfortable for long ride. But I do think the FZ will provide a very entertaining ride. :D


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