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Academic / Journal Article

Large Corporations, Social Capital, and Community Philanthropy

Source : Emerald Publishing
May 2026

This article theorizes and tests a model suggesting how large corporations influence community philanthropy through direct engagement and by indirectly shaping community social capital. Analyzing United Way contributions in 136 U.S. cities over 46 years, the study finds that corporate presence weakens the contributions of both elite and working-class social capital to community philanthropy. The findings offer a novel perspective on corporate social responsibility, focusing on how corporations impact the social fabric that sustains generosity and mutual support within communities.

Paper / Report

Inextricably Connected: Recognizing the Power of Equity and Inclusion in Arts and Culture Philanthropy

Source : mdsoar.org
May 2026

This brief advocates for grantmakers to address historical inequalities in arts and culture philanthropy by increasing funding to historically marginalized communities. It suggests adopting strategies that disrupt traditional funding structures that have excluded artists of color and under-resourced communities. The discussion emphasizes the importance of equity, inclusion, and diversity as critical components for fostering a more just and impactful philanthropic landscape within the arts and culture sector.

Paper / Report

Inequality and philanthropy: High-income giving in the United States 1917–2012

Source : ScienceDirect
May 2026

This study examines high-income charitable giving in the USA from 1917 to 2012, revealing an inverse relationship between donations and income inequality. This finding contradicts prevailing theories suggesting increased giving with rising inequality. The negative correlation persists even when controlling for other variables, both nationally and at the state level. The research suggests that low payout ratios of foundations and endowed charities, combined with this inverse relationship, may perpetuate rather than alleviate inequality over time and across different regions.

Academic / Journal Article

How to mobilize philanthropy to advance racial equity? A call to action

Source : Journal of Philanthropy
May 2026

This article provides actionable strategies for philanthropic actors to advance racial equity. It emphasizes redistributing power, participatory grantmaking, investing in community leadership, and committing to long-term equity goals. It critiques conventional top-down philanthropy and advocates for measuring justice-based outcomes. The piece calls on funders to be catalysts for structural change through equitable practices, accountability, and culture shift.

Academic / Journal Article

Growing Philanthropy through Giving Circles: collective giving and the logic of charity

Source : Cambridge Core
May 2026

This article explores how giving circles contribute to the growth of philanthropy by examining the dynamics of collective giving and its underlying charitable logic. It investigates how these groups foster donor engagement and amplify impact through shared decision-making and pooled resources. The research likely analyzes the motivations for joining giving circles, the mechanisms through which they operate, and their overall effectiveness in channeling funds towards social causes. It aims to provide insights into this evolving philanthropic model and its potential to democratize giving.

Academic / Journal Article

Getting Connected: An Empirical Investigation of the Relationship Between Social Capital and Philanthropy Among Online Volunteers

Source : Sage
May 2026

This study investigates the interrelationships between social capital and philanthropic activities, both online and offline, using data from a survey of online volunteers. It explores how the rapid growth of internet technologies and social media impacts social capital formation and its association with prosocial behaviors. Results indicate strong links between social capital levels and offline donations, but highlight key differences in relationships with online and offline volunteering. Two-stage least squares (2SLS) regression analysis is used to infer causal relationships.

Academic / Journal Article

Extreme philanthropy: Philanthrocapitalism, effective altruism, and the discourse of neoliberalism

Source : Cambridge Core
May 2026

This article critically examines "extreme philanthropy," encompassing philanthrocapitalism and effective altruism, within the broader discourse of neoliberalism. It analyzes how these modern philanthropic approaches, often characterized by market-based principles and data-driven decision-making, align with or challenge neoliberal ideologies. The authors explore the implications of these trends for civil society, social justice, and democratic participation, raising questions about the concentration of power and influence in philanthropic endeavors and their societal impact.

Academic / Journal Article

Exploring organisational perspectives on, and approaches to, venture philanthropy amongst four funders [2011–2014]: convergence or divergence?

Source : ERA Edinburgh

This study explores the organizational perspectives and approaches to venture philanthropy among four different funders during the period of 2011-2014. It investigates whether there is convergence or divergence in their strategies and practices. By examining the varied operational models and investment philosophies, the research sheds light on the evolving landscape of venture philanthropy. The findings provide insights into how different organizations adapt and implement this innovative funding model, highlighting commonalities and distinctions in their methods and impact objectives.

Paper / Report

Doing disability through charity and philanthropy in contemporary South India

Source : SAGE Publications

This research explores how giving circle (GC) member identities relate to funding recipients, investigating if GCs foster giving to similar (bonding social capital) or dissimilar (bridging social capital) identity groups. Drawing on survey data from GC members and a control group, findings indicate both groups are more likely to give to shared identity groups. However, GC members show a greater propensity to give to groups not sharing their identity, suggesting GCs encourage bridging social capital, potentially democratizing philanthropy for marginalized groups.

Academic / Journal Article

Diffusion of corporate philanthropy in social and political network environments: Evidence from China

Source : MDPI

This article critically examines diaspora philanthropy, addressing its purpose, beneficiaries, and mechanisms. It argues that while important, diaspora philanthropy is often undertheorized within the broader migration-development nexus. The piece emphasizes diaspora communities’ active role in developing their sending countries, highlighting debates among scholars about its impact on poverty, development, and equity. It notes that diaspora contributions extend beyond economic transfers, encompassing social and cultural aspects.