Private Gain vs. the Public Good-Part 1

This series of programs are designed to offer tangible solutions to the critical issues that are challenging the quality of life in various populations. We invite forward thinkers, entrepreneurs and solutions oriented talkers to engage in meaningful problem solving. These episodes may be forwarded to government officials to let them review solutions oriented discussions. The John Templeton Foundation has posted a Grant opportunity for exploring the issues involved with "Private Gain and the Public good." The website posts the following related to this grant announcement: The Foundation's 2010 Funding Priority on “Private Gain and the Public Good” is intended to spark wide-ranging research and practical action related to the cultural and ethical values essential to the success of free enterprise and free societies. These would include, in particular, the values of honesty, thrift, and trust. We welcome proposals that seek to enumerate the rules of prudent, discerning, and skeptical investing and business management; that assess the benefits of new approaches to financial regulation in terms of enhanced economic productivity and prosperity; and that explore the potential of financial regulation to create moral hazard for individuals and for decision-makers in government and business.... Applicants are asked to frame their proposals in response to one or more of the following Big Questions: (1) What makes profit moral? (2) What kinds of government policies support both private gain and the public good without damaging either? (3) What is necessary to change the "irrational" economic and psychological patterns that have repeatedly led to asset bubbles, scams, and panics? Budget range and term for individual projects: From $50,000 up to $250,000 and for up to two years. WEBSITE LINK: http://templeton.org/what_we_fund/2010_funding_priorities/private_gain_and_the_public_good/index.html