When we launched the Tutor/Mentor Connection in 1993 one of our goals was to increase the funding available to tutor/mentor programs operating in Chicago. We recognized that the uneven funding resulting from the way philanthropy and government funding works, makes it almost impossible to maintain key staff and continuity with kids and volunteers, let alone build quality and networking with other programs.

Thus, I feel it is a major Tipping Point that in Nov. 06 the Chicago Sun Times made a $2 million donation to the Lend A Hand Program at the Chicago Bar Association. These funds will be given as grants to tutor/mentor programs in Chicago over the next 3-5 years.

While this is great, it needs to be duplicated in other industries and other cities.

I know many who visit Omidyar.net are involved with youth work, or are concerned with education, or want to help kids move from poverty to careers. Without consistent funding its not likely that many non-school programs will have a long term impact, or that new programs will form where there are now no programs, but great need.

If you'd like to work with the Tutor/Mentor Connection to create more Tipping Points like the Sun Times donation, introduce yourself here, or at http://www.tutormentorconnection.org