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Academic / Journal Article

The de-radicalization of corporate social responsibility

Source : Sage
May 2026

This article traces how corporate social responsibility (CSR) has evolved from a counter-cultural critique of capitalism into a mainstream business strategy. Shamir argues that CSR has been domesticated and stripped of its radical potential by being aligned with corporate interests and performance metrics. The piece critically examines how CSR, originally conceived as a mechanism for social reform, has been co-opted by corporations to serve their own public relations and profitability goals. It raises important questions about the genuine social impact of contemporary CSR initiatives.

Academic / Journal Article

Moderating contradictions of feminist philanthropy: Women's community organizations and the Boston Women's Fund, 1995 to 2000

Source : journals.sagepub.com
May 2026

This article analyzes how women’s community organizations and the Boston Women’s Fund navigated and moderated contradictions inherent in feminist philanthropy between 1995 and 2000. It explores the challenges and complexities of aligning feminist principles with traditional philanthropic structures. The author likely examines the strategies employed to foster equitable relationships, promote grassroots empowerment, and address systemic gender inequalities through funding. This research provides a critical perspective on the unique dynamics and evolution of feminist philanthropic models.

Academic / Journal Article

Exercising Leadership: The Prospects of Social Entrepreneurship and High Impact Philanthropy (HSG 2004)

Source : SSRN Electronic Journal

This article discusses the prospects of social entrepreneurship and high-impact philanthropy, examining how both fields contribute to addressing social problems through innovative business models and philanthropic investments. The study highlights key leaders in social entrepreneurship and philanthropy, exploring their leadership styles and the challenges they face in scaling social impact. The paper suggests that effective leadership is essential for the success of both social enterprises and high-impact philanthropy.

Academic / Journal Article

Environmental justice grantmaking: Elites and activists collaborate to transform philanthropy

Source : Wiley Online Library
May 2026

This article examines how environmental justice grantmaking has evolved over time, focusing on the collaboration between elites and activists to transform traditional philanthropy. It highlights how philanthropic organizations have adapted their strategies to address environmental issues from a justice perspective, focusing on the needs of underserved communities. The study discusses the power dynamics in grantmaking and the role of activists in pushing for more inclusive and equitable environmental policies. By working together, elites and activists have been able to bring attention to the intersectionality of social justice and environmentalism, influencing both policy and practice.

Paper / Report

Diaspora giving and the future of philanthropy

Source : Citeseerx
May 2026

This case study demonstrates how human-centered design (HCD), also known as design thinking, can be integrated with strategic planning to enhance philanthropic impact. HCD, traditionally used in consumer products, is being applied to improve social interventions by governments, nonprofits, and foundations. The paper argues that combining HCD with traditional strategic planning enables philanthropists and foundations to develop strategies grounded in sound evidence and informed by the needs of their intended beneficiaries.

Academic / Journal Article

Constructing a philanthropy-scale: Social responsibility and philanthropy

Source : CiteSeerX

This article examines the concept of a "philanthropy-scale " and its relationship to social responsibility. It explores how philanthropy intersects with public and private funding, particularly in the context of contemporary art and cultural giving. The study critiques the boundaries between public and private spaces in philanthropy, discussing the role of foundations and cultural organizations in shaping public discourse. The article explores the challenges faced by philanthropic organizations in balancing social responsibility with the need for private funding and the role of philanthropic giving in the development of contemporary art.

Book

Book Review: Lawrence J. Friedman and Mark D. McGarvie (eds.), Charity, Philanthropy, and Civility in American History, Cambridge University Press, New York …

Source : ProQuest

This book presents a collection of essays by professional historians exploring the dominant issues and theories concerning American philanthropy and its historical role. The overarching premise is that philanthropic activity stems from individuals’ desires to impose their societal ideals. Essays discuss how groups organized, often defining their societal role in the process. The book delves into the historical roots of charity and civility, highlighting various interpretations and debates among historians. It provides a comprehensive examination of philanthropy’s evolution and its influence on American society and civic life.

Book

Book review: Kathleen D. McCarthy, american creed: Philanthropy and the rise of civil society 1700-1865, the university of chicago press, chicago and london, 2003 …

Source : ProQuest

This review examines Kathleen D. McCarthy's historical analysis of philanthropy's role in fostering early American civil society between 1700 and 1865. It traces how elite charitable initiatives helped shape public institutions—from libraries and hospitals to educational centers—and nurtured communal bonds beyond familial or religious ties. The author highlights tensions between private generosity and civic responsibility, arguing that voluntary giving laid the groundwork for participatory democracy. Through rich archival examples, the review underscores philanthropy's dual capacity to empower communities while reinforcing social hierarchies, inviting readers to reassess assumptions about voluntary associations in nation-building.

Case Study

Network power for philanthropy and nonprofits

Source : BARR FOUNDATION

This framework, combining research and a case study of "Lawrence Community Works," presents strategies for leveraging network power to enhance philanthropic and nonprofit effectiveness. It covers key aspects of network dynamics and outlines design principles aimed at amplifying social impact. The resource emphasizes that by understanding and strategically utilizing network structures, philanthropic organizations and nonprofits can foster greater collaboration, share resources more efficiently, and achieve more significant outcomes. It provides actionable insights for building robust and influential networks that contribute to broader social change, highlighting the importance of interconnectedness in achieving mission-driven goals.

Paper / Report

Attitudes and Practices Concerning Effective Philanthropy

Source : The Urban Institute
May 2026

In 2003, The Urban Institute conducted a comprehensive survey of 1,192 staffed grantmaking foundations to create a detailed portrait of attitudes and practices concerning effective philanthropy. Funded by The David and Lucile Packard Foundation in partnership with Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO), the study explored various aspects of effectiveness, including communications, evaluation, grantmaking, and staff development. This report presents the findings, revealing how foundations perceive themselves, how they operate, and whether they align with their own beliefs regarding optimal functioning in the philanthropic field.