The Initiative for Global Development (IGD) is a national alliance of business leaders that champions effective solutions to global poverty.

Founded in Seattle in 2003 by Bill Gates Sr., Daniel J. Evans, Bill Ruckelshaus, Bill Clapp and John Shalikashvili, the organization has grown to a national network of more than 300 partners in 11 cities. Partners are regional and national opinion leaders, the majority of whom are current CEOs or senior executives of leading corporations.

Global poverty is at the root of many of the world’s greatest challenges and IGD believes that dramatically reducing it is one of the most powerful steps we can take in creating a better future. Addressing the inequities of people living in poverty is a critical factor in ensuring the future prosperity and security of us all.

IGD works to promote poverty reduction by advocating for effective U.S. policies and advancing innovative private sector solutions that expand economic development in poor countries.