Islands of Success Revisited: Which Role for Philanthropy?

This chapter, from the book "Philanthropy and Education: Strategies for Impact," revisits the concept of "Islands of Success" to explore the specific role of philanthropy. It offers implicit advice for practitioners by illustrating how social impact has been achieved in various educational contexts. The aim is to provide an ostensible framework for guiding future education philanthropy, helping practitioners develop a more advanced understanding of their profession’s requirements. Ultimately, it seeks to suggest tools for generating social impact and to offer a different perspective on conceiving the results of education philanthropy.

Initiative on Philanthropy in China

This report explores the landscape of philanthropy in China, building on a previous UNDP report. It defines philanthropy in both international and Chinese contexts, distinguishing between "cishan" (traditional charity) and "gongyi" (public welfare). The paper analyzes internet philanthropy, its systems, trends, opportunities, and challenges in China, highlighting how it enables new forms of giving and participation. It also discusses the impact of new policies on NGOs and charitable organizations, emphasizing the need for a robust philanthropic environment.

Guidelines for Effective Philanthropic Engagement, Paris

This OECD report provides guidelines for effective philanthropic engagement, likely focusing on best practices for collaboration between philanthropic organizations and other stakeholders, including governments and development actors. It aims to enhance the impact and efficiency of philanthropic efforts globally. The report probably covers principles such as transparency, accountability, alignment with development priorities, and fostering local ownership. It serves as a valuable resource for philanthropists, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to maximize the positive societal outcomes of their investments and partnerships.

Front-stage and backstage convening: The transition from opposition to mutualistic coexistence in organizational philanthropy

This article examines the transition in organizational philanthropy from opposition to mutualistic coexistence, using the concepts of front-stage and backstage convening. It investigates how philanthropic organizations manage public and private interactions to foster collaboration and shared goals among diverse stakeholders, ultimately moving beyond confrontational stances to achieve more effective and cooperative outcomes in their social impact initiatives.

From Philanthropy to Mandatory CSR: A Journey Towards Mandatory Corporate Social Responsibility in India

This paper explores the transformation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from voluntary philanthropy to a mandatory requirement in India. It highlights India’s contradictions of economic growth alongside significant poverty and inequality, which places corporate contributions under scrutiny. The authors analyze the rationale for making CSR spending regulatory in India, emphasizing the need for companies to address uneven development and societal expectations to foster inclusive growth.

Firm Philanthropy in Small- and Medium-Sized Family Firms: The Effects of Family Involvement in Ownership and Management

This study investigates how family involvement influences firm philanthropy in small- and medium-sized family firms, drawing on stewardship theory. It argues that family involvement in ownership positively affects firm philanthropy, while its interaction with family involvement in management has a negative effect. Based on a sample of 130 Italian family firms, the findings offer implications for theory and practice in the context of philanthropy within family businesses. The research sheds light on the unique dynamics of giving in these organizational structures.

Feminist student philanthropy: Possibilities and poignancies of a service-learning and student philanthropy initiative

This article explores the possibilities and challenges of a service-learning and student philanthropy initiative rooted in feminist principles. It examines how incorporating a feminist lens into student philanthropy fosters critical thinking about social justice, power dynamics, and equitable resource distribution. The author discusses the "poignancies" or complex emotional and ethical considerations that arise for students engaged in such initiatives. The paper highlights the transformative potential of feminist student philanthropy in shaping future leaders committed to social change.

Education philanthropy in Germany and the United States

This chapter explores the role of private actors in the improvement of public schools in Germany and the United States. It discusses how international advisory firms, non-profit organizations, corporate social responsibility divisions, individual consultants, and philanthropic foundations have increasingly influenced the education sector, which was traditionally dominated by government entities. The authors examine the collaborative and sometimes contentious relationships between these new and established actors in the education field. The chapter provides insights into the evolving landscape of educational reform and the growing involvement of private philanthropy in public education systems.

Charity and Philanthropy in Russia, China, India and Brazil

This report provides a global overview of institutional philanthropy, examining trends, challenges, and opportunities across regions. It compiles case studies and data from more than 20 countries, highlighting how legal frameworks, cultural norms, and economic conditions shape philanthropic practices. The report identifies growing interest in strategic giving, collaboration, and impact measurement, while noting persistent gaps in infrastructure, data availability, and accountability. It advocates for greater global learning and capacity-building in the sector.

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.
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