For-profit philanthropy

This essay examines Google.org's experiment in philanthropy, arguing its uniqueness lies not in a hybrid for-profit/charitable model, but in leveraging market mechanisms to harness information technology for public good. It highlights Google.org's potential due to its freedom from legal restrictions on non-profits and market pressures on for-profits. The article cautions that Google.org must develop innovative accountability structures to match its ambitious social goals as this new philanthropic model evolves.