What is community philanthropy?

This paper clarifies the concept of community philanthropy, rooted in historical practices of mutual aid and local resource sharing for the common good. It defines community philanthropy as more than just giving, encompassing sharing, learning, and fostering dignity. Despite its long-standing presence and renewed interest, there’s limited guidance on its application. The document aims to fill this gap by reviewing existing literature and providing insights for development practitioners. It emphasizes that community philanthropy is an inclusive, caring practice, essential for fostering solidarity and local empowerment by engaging communities in addressing their own needs and driving change.