1) Inducing a desire for social change and a sense of empowerment:
"Creating a desire for social change and instilling confidence that it can be achieved must ultimately come from an awakening of the human spirit."[1]
2) Creating a sense of unity and common destiny in small communities. Note that, any group/community needs a unifying theme to bring them together (in this case, their common faith):
"Thus, Bahá'í efforts in the field of social and economic development generally take the form of grassroots initiatives carried out by small groups of individuals in the towns and villages in which they reside. As these initiatives evolve, some grow into more substantial programs with permanent administrative structures."[1]
Note that, Bahá'í faith is the 'second most widespread' religion in the world [2]. So, they are in a fairly unique position to undertake such initiatives in a larger scale (maybe not capital-wise but community-wise).
3) Spirituality can bring about Philanthropic doings and philanthropy can enhance spirituality:
"…the application of spiritual values such as justice, trustworthiness, and generosity will enhance material well-being, while material resources and advances will make possible new avenues of spiritual endeavor that will promote cohesion and unity of purpose within and across societies."[1]
I believe in a just and equitable society everybody will be happier; not only the poor but also the rich.
4) Consultations (there is a considerable amount of literature in the Bahá'í teachings regarding the principles of effective consultation):
"Experience has shown that consultation is an indispensable tool that enables communities to sustain and modify development initiatives and thereby contributes to self-sufficiency and a higher quality of life."[1]
These methods are meant to complement and facilitate other social/economical development plans. One of the main principles of the Bahá'í faith is the harmony of science and religion. So, I imagine they should appreciate any input from the scientific community!
Looking back into my own life, it is much easier to be an iconoclast than to
invent and enact new solutions to world's problems!
[1] http://www.huttbahai.org.nz/default.aspx?Page=125
[2] http://www.bbc.co.uk/gloucestershire/faith/2004/03/bahai_naz_ruz.shtml