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Academic / Journal Article

The assessment of water use and reuse through reported data: A US case study

Source : ScienceDirect
January 2016

This US case study, focusing on the Wabash River Watershed, assesses water use and reuse through reported data to inform sustainable water resource management. It highlights the challenge of fragmented data across state and federal entities for holistic analysis. The study reveals that during low-flow months, treated wastewater discharges significantly contribute to streamflow, indicating substantial unplanned reuse. The findings underscore the importance of better data documentation for water resources planning and the potential ecological impacts of intentional water reuse during critical periods.

Blog

How Data Science saves lives and helps combat obesity?

Source : KDnuggets
January 2016

Data science plays a critical role in saving lives and combating obesity by providing insights for effective interventions. This article discusses how analyzing vast datasets—including patient demographics, lifestyle, dietary habits, and genetic predispositions—helps identify risk factors and predict obesity trends. Machine learning models can personalize weight management programs, track progress, and recommend tailored exercise and nutrition plans. By leveraging these data-driven approaches, public health initiatives and clinical practices can optimize strategies for prevention, early detection, and treatment, ultimately improving population health outcomes and reducing the burden of obesity-related diseases.

Book

A good investment?: Philanthropy and the marketing of race in an urban public school

Source : University of Minnesota Press
May 2026

This book examines how urban public schools, particularly those with minority and disadvantaged students, engage in "marketing of race" to secure philanthropic funding. It questions whether competition for financing perpetuates poverty and stereotypes, arguing that the appearance of success and equity through philanthropy can mask and maintain stark inequalities. The author offers a firsthand look at how social change in education is aligned with social entrepreneurship, suggesting that such philanthropic approaches might inadvertently reinforce race and class hierarchies, thereby inhibiting true democracy and justice in education.

Paper / Report

A paradigm shift in non-profit management: Exploring transition from philanthropy to social enterprise in NGOs

Source : University of the Witwatersrand

This study examines the transition of non-profit organizations from aid dependency to self-sustainable management through the adoption of social enterprise principles. It acknowledges the complexity of this shift, particularly the challenges associated with using commercial undertakings to cross-subsidize social interventions. The research focuses on how NGOs are prudently embracing social enterprise as a framework for non-profit management to achieve financial stability and mission consistency, aiming to provide insights into this evolving approach for organizational resilience in the voluntary sector.

Academic / Journal Article

Beyond technology and finance: pay-as-you-go sustainable energy access and theories of social change

Source : Sage Journals

This article explores pay-as-you-go (PAYG) business models for sustainable energy access in sub-Saharan Africa, applying a sociotechnical transitions framework. It critically assesses the traditional focus on technology and finance, arguing for greater attention to sociocultural considerations and theories of social change. The study highlights how mobile-enabled flexible payment systems disrupt traditional energy delivery by aligning with existing sociocultural practices of payment. It emphasizes the importance of inclusive business models that address local contexts and user needs for successful energy transitions.

Academic / Journal Article

Youth-led social change: Topics, engagement types, organizational types, strategies, and impacts

Source : ScienceDirect
May 2026

This paper introduces a comprehensive framework for evaluating youth-led social change in Canada, drawing from over three decades of data (1978–2012). It identifies core topics, engagement types, organizational types, and strategies youth employ to create impact. Key findings show youth’s success in social change, a strong relationship between impact and approaches used, and significant influence through political action. The framework provides insights for supporting young changemakers and amplifying their impact across various social issues.

Academic / Journal Article

Why the social sciences should take philanthropy seriously

Source : Springer
May 2026

This article argues for the increased academic scrutiny of philanthropy within the social sciences. It posits that philanthropy is a significant societal force that shapes social, economic, and political landscapes, and therefore warrants more rigorous theoretical and empirical investigation. The author suggests that existing social science frameworks can be enriched by incorporating philanthropic studies, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of resource distribution, power dynamics, and social change mechanisms. The piece calls for interdisciplinary research to explore the motivations, practices, and impacts of philanthropic activities, aiming to elevate philanthropy’s standing as a legitimate and vital area of academic inquiry.

Academic / Journal Article

Understanding Mexican Philanthropy

Source : Taylor & Francis
May 2026

This chapter examines factors influencing philanthropic behavior in Mexico, specifically the role of social capital in giving and volunteering. It highlights the significance of Mexicans’ religiosity in religious giving and volunteering. The findings suggest that Mexican nonprofits need to counteract a low-trust culture by fostering membership and group belonging. The analysis explores how US philanthropic models might adapt to diverse local contexts. It also notes that while various forms of philanthropic behavior are widespread, especially support for religious institutions and mutual self-help, there is a need to understand whether US-based models of philanthropic institutions can prosper in diverse local contexts.

Academic / Journal Article

Understanding mechanisms in the social investment market: what are venture philanthropy funds financing and how?

Source : tandfonline.com
May 2026

This article delves into the mechanisms of the social investment market, specifically focusing on what venture philanthropy funds are financing and their operational approaches. It examines how these funds differ from traditional philanthropy by adopting investment-like strategies to achieve social impact alongside financial returns. The authors analyze the types of organizations and initiatives that venture philanthropy supports, as well as the methods employed, such as providing hands-on support, strategic guidance, and long-term capital. The paper offers insights into the evolving landscape of impact investing.

Academic / Journal Article

The social, economic and environmental dimensions of corporate social responsibility: The role played by consumers and potential entrepreneurs

Source : Science Direct
May 2026

This paper investigates the influence of consumers’ and entrepreneurs’ perceptions on the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Based on Schwartz’s human values theory, it develops a model to analyze the drivers of these perceptions across multicultural samples. The findings indicate that human values impact CSR perceptions, and consumer perceptions mediate the relationship with entrepreneurial views. This research offers valuable insights for firms to tailor CSR strategies to specific cultural and economic environments, aiming for vital social goals and economic advantages.