• Paper / Report

Advancing racial equity in communities: Lessons for philanthropy

  • Source : Cornerstone Consultants
Commissioned by the Ford Foundation, this report examines efforts to address structural racism across five communities. It identifies key elements of effective programs, outlines the necessary national-level infrastructure, and clarifies philanthropy’s role in supporting this crucial work. The report provides insights into successful strategies for promoting racial equity, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts and sustained philanthropic investment to dismantle systemic barriers and foster more equitable societies. It serves as a guide for funders and practitioners committed to social justice.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Philanthropy for Indigenous causes: more than a'cup of tea'?

  • Source : QUT ePrints
  • May 2026
Smyllie & Scaife examine the motivations and obligations behind non-Indigenous philanthropic support for Indigenous initiatives in Australia. They argue that philanthropic relationships often reflect unequal power dynamics, calling for greater recognition of autonomy, voice, and partnership by and for Indigenous communities. The article critically assesses how traditional philanthropic models can perpetuate colonial power imbalances, advocating for approaches that prioritize Indigenous self-determination and genuine collaboration. It emphasizes the need for philanthropy to move beyond superficial gestures towards fostering authentic, equitable partnerships that respect and empower Indigenous voices.
  • Book

Third Sector Research: Philanthropy

  • Source : Springer
  • May 2026
This chapter on philanthropy within third-sector research addresses key challenges, including the characterization of philanthropists as elites and the emerging nexus between entrepreneurship and philanthropy. It develops a conceptual framework emphasizing mutuality in philanthropic exchange. The chapter concludes by discussing future developments challenging philanthropy, such as revisiting longevity or rationing. These evolving considerations may either invigorate philanthropic forms through renewed purpose and innovation or lead to their ossification by clinging to outdated practices, highlighting the dynamic nature of the philanthropic landscape.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Philanthropy, Evaluation, Accountability, and Social Change

  • Source : The Foundation Review
  • May 2026
This article discusses the critical link between philanthropy, evaluation, accountability, and social change. It emphasizes the need for foundations to adopt robust evaluation practices to measure impact and ensure accountability to stakeholders. The author argues that effective evaluation strategies are crucial for understanding whether philanthropic efforts are genuinely contributing to desired social change. The piece explores frameworks and approaches that can help philanthropic organizations learn from their initiatives, adapt their strategies, and ultimately maximize their positive societal impact, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and transparency in the philanthropic sector.
  • Book

Power and love: A theory and practice of social change

  • Source : Berrett-Koehler
  • May 2026
Kahane presents a compelling framework for social change that integrates "power"—defined as strategic action—with "love"—compassionate partnership. Through practical tools, real-world stories, and systemic thinking, he offers guidance for facilitating inclusive transformation in diverse and complex environments. The book argues that sustained progress requires a fluid balance between these two fundamental drives to navigate and resolve challenging societal issues effectively.
  • Academic / Journal Article

One day, one goal? PUMA, corporate philanthropy and the cultural politics of brand 'Africa'

  • Source : Taylor & Francis
  • May 2026
This article analyzes PUMA's "One Day, One Goal " campaign, critically examining how it aligns corporate philanthropy with brand-building initiatives in Africa. Giardina critiques the underlying cultural politics of the campaign, exploring how sports and charitable branded events construct a specific narrative about ‘Africa'. The piece further examines the complex intersection of marketing strategies, corporate activism, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in shaping perceptions and engaging with global development issues.
  • Case Study

Mobilizing Private Capital for Public Good

  • Source : J.W. McConnell Family Foundation
  • December 2010
This report from the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation explores strategies for mobilizing private capital to achieve public good. It examines how social organizations can leverage various financing instruments, including impact investing, to address societal challenges. The document discusses innovative approaches to philanthropic funding and investment that seek to generate both financial returns and measurable social impact, highlighting the potential for cross-sector collaborations to foster greater social change and resilience.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Governance Choice for Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility

  • Source : Semantic Scholar
  • June 2010
This article explores the strategic choices organizations make regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR) governance. It examines how different governance structures influence the effectiveness and integration of CSR initiatives within a company’s overall strategy. The authors likely analyze various models, from internal departments to external partnerships, to determine their suitability for achieving strategic CSR objectives. The research aims to provide insights for businesses seeking to optimize their approach to social responsibility for both societal benefit and competitive advantage, considering factors such as stakeholder engagement and resource allocation.
  • Academic / Journal Article

The Nonprofit Starvation Cycle

  • Source : Stanford Social Innovation Review
  • May 2026
This article critically examines the "nonprofit starvation cycle," a systemic issue where funders’ pressure to minimize administrative expenses leads to chronic underfunding of nonprofit overhead costs. It describes how this pressure compels nonprofits to underreport their true operational costs, which in turn severely limits their capacity to build essential infrastructure, invest in talent, and innovate. The cycle ultimately hinders their ability to sustain and scale their impact, advocating for funders to adopt more realistic and flexible funding practices to foster long-term organizational health and effectiveness.
  • Academic / Journal Article

A critique of the discourse of marketized philanthropy

  • Source : SAGE Publications
  • May 2026
This academic article offers a critical examination of the evolving role of philanthropy within contemporary society, specifically focusing on the discourse of marketized philanthropy. It discusses the intricate interplay between citizen engagement, political processes, and the transformative potential of giving. The authors challenge conventional notions, analyzing how market-driven approaches might influence the essence and effectiveness of philanthropic endeavors. By scrutinizing these dynamics, the article provides a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities for philanthropy to maintain its social impact amidst increasing commercialization and political complexities.
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