Checks and balances: Experiential philanthropy as a form of community engagement

This chapter explores experiential philanthropy (EP) as a powerful form of community engagement in higher education. It highlights how authentic grant-making opportunities deepen students’ understanding of philanthropy’s societal role and extend benefits to the community. The piece discusses the integration of EP into various academic disciplines and its alignment with civic engagement goals. Research on EP courses consistently shows positive student learning outcomes, emphasizing community-based knowledge and both grant-making and fundraising dimensions.

Book Review: Catalysts for Change: Twenty-first Century Philanthropy and Community Development

This book review discusses "Catalysts for Change: Twenty-first Century Philanthropy and Community Development" by Maria Martinez-Cosio and Mirle Bussell. The book fills a gap in literature by exploring the intersection of philanthropic organizations and community development. It draws on the history of philanthropic funding, focusing on developments over the past two decades through five key case studies across America. The authors, using firsthand experience and research, challenge a one-size-fits-all model, emphasizing the importance of context and relationships for project success. The review highlights the book’s value in guiding foundations on effective fund channeling in challenging economic climates.

African philanthropy: Advances in the field of horizontal philanthropy

This volume explores philanthropy in Africa through diverse case studies and ethnographic research. It covers themes such as cycles of reciprocity among black professionals, social justice philanthropy, community foundations, and traditional giving practices like ubuntu in township and rural settings. Leading scholars also critically examine theories, perspectives, and research on African philanthropy, providing a comprehensive understanding of the field’s advancements. The book illuminates the unique cultural and social dimensions influencing philanthropic practices across the continent.

Public policy for philanthropy

This book analyzes government-philanthropy interactions, including tax incentives, regulation, and volunteering. The authors argue that policy should extend beyond gift incentives to support volunteering and transparency, suggesting more holistic frameworks for nurturing civil society. Their analysis contributes to understanding philanthropy's role in democratic pluralism and public-good provision, emphasizing the need for robust systems and practices that ensure ethical and effective management of financial resources and accountability in the philanthropic sector.

Philanthropy, the state and public goods

Jung & Harrow analyze philanthropy's historical engagement with state-provided public goods in Europe and North America. They argue that private giving has long filled public service gaps, yet remains discretionary and fragmented. The chapter debates the balance between autonomy and accountability in hybrid public-private arrangements, exploring the complex relationship between philanthropic endeavors and government responsibilities. It highlights how private donations often complement or substitute public funding for essential services, raising questions about the long-term sustainability and equity of such arrangements. The authors call for a critical examination of these evolving partnerships.

Philanthropy in England

Jordan presents a historical study of Tudor-Stuart philanthropic practices in England, tracing charitable giving and institutional endowments. He explores how urban elites used charitable wealth to address poverty, establish schools and almshouses, and shape civic aims. This work illustrates the transformation of individual generosity into structured public welfare, showcasing the evolving role of private wealth in addressing societal needs during a pivotal period. The study provides valuable insights into the origins of organized charity and its lasting impact on social infrastructure, emphasizing the interplay between elite aspirations and public benefit.

Philanthropy at the community level: Supporting community empowerment (Chapter 8)

Layton explores how community foundations and grassroots initiatives leverage philanthropy to empower local groups. The chapter discusses participatory grantmaking, trust-building, and strategies that promote community self-determination, while offering a critique of traditional top-down funding models. He advocates for a more inclusive philanthropy that is deeply responsive to local needs and fosters genuine community ownership.

Philanthropy, Health Systems and Community Health Improvement

Easterling, Smart & McDuffee examine how philanthropic investment in converted health systems can support upstream interventions to address social determinants of health. They advocate for system-level partnerships that drive equitable community health outcomes. The chapter highlights the unique position of foundations to convene stakeholders, publicize issues, advocate for policies, and inject innovative ideas, going beyond mere financial support to foster significant societal impact.

Philanthropy: Knowledge, practice and blind hope

Jung & Harrow offer a critique of philanthropic technocracy, challenging the common assumption that data and metrics alone can drive meaningful impact. They argue for a deeper understanding of community needs, emphasizing the importance of bridging knowledge-practice gaps. The authors caution against overconfident "blind hope" in technical fixes, advocating instead for approaches rooted in genuine community engagement and nuanced comprehension of complex social issues.
We use essential and analytics cookies to operate this website and understand how visitors interact with it. As this site also functions as a login identity provider (IDP) for other ISDM portals, some cookies are necessary to enable secure authentication. By continuing to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies.