Beyond grantmaking: Philanthropic foundations as agents of change and institutional entrepreneurs

Studies examining the role of philanthropic foundations in advancing social change have primarily focused on the impact of foundations' financial resources. This article argues that foundations also leverage social mechanisms to advance and legitimate desired change, acting as institutional entrepreneurs. It highlights how foundations strategically employ networks, knowledge dissemination, and advocacy to influence policy and practice beyond direct financial contributions. The research offers a nuanced perspective on the multifaceted roles foundations play in societal transformation, emphasizing their capacity to shape norms and institutions in pursuit of their missions.

Waqf, Values and the Ulama: Towards Harnessing Philanthropy for Community Uplift in Northern Nigeria

This paper explores the concept of Waqf (Islamic endowment) in Northern Nigeria, examining its values and the role of the Ulama (Islamic scholars) in harnessing this form of philanthropy for community uplift. It delves into the historical and contemporary practices of Waqf, highlighting its potential as a sustainable mechanism for social and economic development within Islamic communities. The author discusses how the ethical framework of Waqf, guided by Islamic values and scholarly interpretation, can contribute to addressing various community needs. The paper provides insights into leveraging religious philanthropy for social good.

Venture philanthropy: Its evolution and its future

This report traces the evolution of venture philanthropy, examining its origins, growth, and the key developments that have shaped its practice. It analyzes how venture philanthropy has adapted over time to address emerging social challenges and leverage new opportunities in the social sector. The authors also explore potential future trends and the role venture philanthropy might play in the broader landscape of social investment. The paper offers a comprehensive overview of the field, providing insights for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers interested in its ongoing development and impact.

Unpacking Radical Philanthropy: Purpose Driven Philanthropy in Action

This piece unpacks the concept of "radical philanthropy" through the lens of purpose-driven philanthropy. It highlights how organizations, such as the Lien Foundation, adopt a radical approach by tackling root causes of problems and seeking long-term, systemic solutions. The author likely details specific strategies and examples of how purpose-driven philanthropy can lead to significant and transformative social impact, emphasizing a departure from conventional, often less impactful, charitable giving.

The Evolution of Asia Philanthropy

This report traces the evolution of philanthropy across Asia, highlighting the unique historical, cultural, and economic factors that have shaped charitable giving in the region. It likely discusses the shift from traditional, often family- or religiously-based, forms of philanthropy to more structured and strategic approaches. The report may cover emerging trends, such as the rise of corporate social responsibility, impact investing, and the growing influence of new philanthropists. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse philanthropic landscape in Asia and its increasing role in social development.

Markets Are Emerging: What about Philanthropy

This paper argues that an inefficient capital market exists for social finance across state, nonprofit, and private sectors. Traditional banks are largely uninvolved, and the private sector’s potential efficiencies remain untapped. The paper outlines key aspects for a more efficient social financial services industry, emphasizing the need for full market transparency and mechanisms to aggregate demand on clear platforms where risk can be defined. It also highlights the importance of engaging the corporate sector alongside the citizen sector and non-profit organizations to foster a more robust social finance ecosystem.

How Philanthropy Can Help Communities Advance Climate Change Adaptation

This report explores how philanthropic funding can support community-level climate adaptation. It recommends long-term risk financing, capacity building, integration of scientific and indigenous knowledge, and partnerships with governments. Emphasizing equity and environmental justice, it guides donors on systemic resilience strategies—such as preparedness planning, infrastructure improvements, and climate education—to support vulnerable communities.

Grassroots philanthropy: Fighting the power asymmetries of aid in rural Burundi

This report advocates for social-public-private partnerships in rural Burundi to counter power imbalances inherent in traditional aid models. It argues that external agencies, donors, and individuals often lack sufficient understanding of local communities and their actual needs, leading to ineffective aid. The authors emphasize that local community members possess crucial on-ground knowledge, making their direct involvement essential for identifying genuine areas of focus. The paper highlights how grassroots philanthropy can empower local communities and ensure aid efforts are more relevant and impactful.

Beyond Philanthropy: A collaborative approach in India

This report by Dasra highlights the symbiotic relationship between family, philanthropy, and businesses in India, noting that family businesses account for 67% of listed companies with market capitalization over USD 50 million in Asia. It advocates for a collaborative approach to philanthropy, moving beyond traditional giving to foster greater impact. The report emphasizes the potential of strategic partnerships between philanthropists, businesses, and social organizations to address complex developmental challenges. It provides insights into how the unique landscape of Indian family businesses can be leveraged for more effective and sustainable social change initiatives.

Art for Social Change: Supporting Art for Community Building, New Philanthropic Orientations in Egypt

This paper examines new philanthropic orientations in Egypt that support art for community building and social change, particularly in the context of recent developments and pre-revolutionary trends. Through a comparison of two private NGOs, it analyzes how they are shaping cultural policy and their stance towards the Egyptian state. The study contributes to the international discussion on the impact of art and culture on socio-economic transformation, democratization, political participation, social empowerment, and public opinion formation, focusing on community-based cultural expressions over "elitist" art forms.
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