• Book

Pan-Africanizing philanthropy: Toward a social theory of an emerging sector

  • Source : Springer
  • May 2026
This chapter proposes a social theory addressing Pan-African philanthropy, focusing on diaspora giving practices and identity formation. Drawing on Kenyan and Nigerian cases, it considers Africa's philanthropic sector as an emergent field shaped by transnational communities and rooted in cultural values and solidarity. The author argues that African philanthropy, inherently built on notions of solidarity and interconnectedness, provides a foundational approach for development, highlighting the potential of indigenous gifting practices to finance continent-wide development.
  • Book

Oprah Winfrey's Global Philanthropy

  • Source : Media, Spiritualities and Social Change
  • May 2026
This chapter explores Oprah Winfrey's philanthropic approach, emphasizing empowerment narratives. The analysis highlights how Winfrey's global giving practices reinforce specific values and power dynamics, situating her philanthropy within neoliberal frameworks. It further examines the cultural and spiritual significance of her philanthropic endeavors, portraying her journey from poverty to a global symbol of empowerment. The chapter reflects on lessons from her life, including authenticity, resilience, empathy, and purpose-driven leadership.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Philanthropy is dead, long live philanthropy?

  • Source : Philanthropy Management Review
  • May 2026
Harrow & Jung reflect on philanthropy's evolving role amid welfare retrenchment, noting governments' renewed interest in collaboration with funders. They argue for realism, cautioning against overstating philanthropic potential, and call researchers to critically assess philanthropy–state dynamics in post-welfare contexts. The article provides a nuanced perspective on the future of philanthropy, suggesting that while private giving can play a vital role, it cannot fully replace the welfare state. It encourages a pragmatic approach to partnerships between governments and philanthropic organizations, advocating for realistic expectations and rigorous evaluation of their collective impact.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Philanthrocapitalism is not social change philanthropy

  • Source : Stanford Social Innovation Review
  • May 2026
Ramdas argues that philanthrocapitalism—large-scale donor platforms mirroring corporate influence—fails to challenge systemic inequities. She asserts that true social-change philanthropy must question dominant economic models, embrace root-cause strategies, and open itself to public accountability. The article critiques the market-driven approach to philanthropy, suggesting it often perpetuates existing power structures rather than fundamentally transforming them. It calls for a more radical and accountable form of giving that actively seeks to dismantle the root causes of inequality. This perspective encourages a re-evaluation of philanthropic practices to ensure genuine societal impact.
  • Academic / Journal Article

PROVINCIAL DIASPORA, PHILANTHROPY AND SOCIAL DOMINATION: A STUDY OF COASTAL ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA

  • Source : University of Göttingen / NIAS
This academic article investigates the intricate relationship between provincial diaspora philanthropy and social domination, focusing on Coastal Andhra Pradesh, India. It examines how remittances and charitable contributions from the diaspora influence local power structures, caste dynamics, and institutionalization processes within their home regions. The study explores whether such transnational giving reinforces existing social hierarchies or contributes to their transformation. It provides a nuanced understanding of the socio-economic and political implications of diaspora philanthropy in a specific Indian context.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Philanthropy, the Big Society and emerging philanthropic relationships in the UK

  • Source : Philanthropy Management Review
  • May 2026
Daly critiques the UK government’s "Big Society" initiative for encouraging philanthropic action without adequate support structures. She shows it fostered new funder-state collaborations, but often reinforced neoliberal tendencies. The article calls for stronger mechanisms to ensure philanthropy supports public value rather than privatized governance. It emphasizes the need for policies that genuinely empower civil society while safeguarding against the risks of market-driven approaches to social provision. The author advocates for a more robust framework to guide philanthropic engagement in public service delivery.
  • Case Study

Look to the Forests : How performance payments can slow climate change

  • Source : Center for Global Development
  • February 2011
This report advocates for performance-based payments to developing countries as a key strategy to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+). It argues that protecting tropical forests is crucial for climate mitigation and development. The paper proposes a system where public and private funders pay governments based on verified performance in reducing deforestation, emphasizing simpler contracts and avoiding imposing conditions on how results are achieved. It highlights the urgency of large-scale, results-linked financial support for forest conservation.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Fostering Social Business Through Venture Philanthropy

  • Source : The Journal of Social Business
  • January 2011
This paper explores the relationship between social business (SB) creation and venture philanthropy (VP). It defines VP as providing high-risk financial capital combined with technical and managerial expertise, aiming for both financial returns and social change. The study analyzes the characteristics, models, and mechanisms of the venture philanthropy industry, emphasizing that SBs vary in their pursuit of social innovation. It suggests that VP impacts SB growth capacity by influencing organizational and environmental factors.
  • Book

Women and philanthropy: Boldly shaping a better world

  • Source : Google Books
  • May 2026
This book explores the growing influence of women in philanthropy, arguing that they are "boldly shaping a better world" through their unique approaches to giving. It highlights the increasing financial power and strategic engagement of women as donors, foundation leaders, and social investors. The authors delve into the motivations, values, and giving patterns that often distinguish women’s philanthropy, emphasizing their focus on social justice, community development, and collaborative initiatives. The book provides insights and strategies for engaging women in philanthropic endeavors, showcasing inspiring examples of their leadership and impact in addressing a wide range of global challenges.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Women and philanthropy, tricksters and soul: Re-storying otherness into crossroads of change

  • Source : ProQuest
  • May 2026
This article explores the unique contributions of women in philanthropy through the lens of "tricksters and soul," aiming to "re-story otherness into crossroads of change." It challenges conventional narratives of philanthropy by highlighting the often-unconventional, intuitive, and deeply empathetic approaches women bring to social change. The author suggests that women’s philanthropic practices are rooted in a holistic understanding of community and often prioritize marginalized voices and innovative solutions. The piece advocates for recognizing and valuing these distinct contributions, arguing that they are essential for fostering more inclusive and transformative social impact, moving beyond traditional, often male-dominated, philanthropic models.
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.
Accept & Continue