19 / 20 · 2020

Public grant tracking and emergency giving

People and institutions: Jack Dorsey

What happened, and when

In 2020 Jack Dorsey announced a major commitment to a philanthropic initiative known as Start Small, with publicly shared grant tracking. The initiative funded a range of causes including emergency relief.

Effects on communities and other countries

Visible grant records can make it easier to trace where money went. A spreadsheet alone cannot establish how funds were spent after receipt or whether promised benefits occurred.

Benefits, influence and possible misuse

Donors who also lead influential technology companies may attract public attention and build policy relationships through their giving. Grant transparency helps outsiders distinguish documented transfers from speculation.

Checks and balances

Keep dated recipient records, link to independent recipient reports, separate corporate and personal decisions and assess measurable outcomes.

Follow the evidence: To evaluate a particular grant, identify its year, legal donor, recipient, restrictions and publicly documented results. A grant record alone does not establish control over a recipient’s every action. How to trace grant records · Boards, regulators and courts.