Ignore and Report Social Media, E-Mail, and Phone Scams

Several email-based scams claiming to be from or associated with the Skoll Foundation and/or CEO Don Gips and other staff members are circulating. We have learned that people are receiving these email solicitations suggesting grants, awards, scholarships, and funds are forthcoming. They often include our logo, photos, links, or other information taken directly from our official website: www.dev.skoll.org. These solicitations request either personal information, a personal email address, or both.

These messages are fraudulent and in no way associated with the Skoll Foundation or any foundation employees.

The Skoll Foundation does not solicit donations or request any type of administrative or handling fees for its grant applications or for grantees to receive funding.

If you receive an email, phone call, or text that appears to be from the Skoll Foundation for any type of payment or personal information, or if you receive an email or communication seemingly from the foundation that you feel is suspicious, please disregard that communication.

Do not send money or provide any personal or bank account information. Do not click on any links.

To be clear, the Skoll Foundation and its employees do not:

• Sponsor lotteries of any kind.
• Solicit donations of any kind.
• Ask for bank account or personal information.
• Approach individuals offering grant opportunities or scholarships.
• Require/request grantees to pay insurance, deposits, or delivery and administrative fees for grant funds.
• Request funds through social media, such as Facebook or Twitter.
• Offer shady investment opportunities.
• Request fees to apply for jobs.

Report these scams and fraud communications to the Federal Trade Commission or FBI.

Thanks for your understanding and we apologize for any confusion these scam messages may have caused.