• Paper / Report

Philanthropic Foundations and Development Co-operation

  • Source : OECD
This OECD report examines the contributions of philanthropic foundations to international development, particularly in agriculture, family planning, and disease control. It underscores the importance of long-term, scientifically informed interventions integrated with local capacities. With US foundations spending approximately $3 billion annually on development, the report emphasizes the vital role of public-private partnerships and advocates for improved coordination with official aid and fiscal incentives to maximize impact.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Is Distinguished Philanthropy Still Possible?

  • Source : Community Wealth.org
This paper challenges traditional deficit-based narratives surrounding communities of color by introducing the concept of community cultural wealth (CCW). CCW recognizes diverse forms of capital—aspirational, linguistic, social, navigational, familial, and resistant—that individuals and communities leverage to navigate and resist systemic oppression. Drawing on Critical Race Theory, the author emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these assets to understand how marginalized groups persevere and thrive despite adversity. The article advocates for an asset-based approach in education and community development, highlighting the significance of cultural knowledge, skills, and networks in fostering resilience and social justice.
  • Paper / Report

Generosity versus altruism: Philanthropy and charity in the US and UK

  • Source : LSE Working papers
  • May 2026
This paper examines the distinct charitable giving cultures in the United States and the United Kingdom, proposing "generosity" and "altruism" models. It highlights the US consistently giving around 2% of GDP, while the UK remains below 1%, despite similar participation rates. The paper challenges simplistic views of the UK’s giving culture, attributing differences to political structures, social attitudes, and the varying roles of giving in each nation. It offers a nuanced perspective on philanthropy and charity across these two countries.
  • Academic / Journal Article

The Next Wave of Corporate Community Involvement

  • Source : ResearchGate
  • May 2026
This article identifies "Corporate Social Initiatives" (CSI) as an evolving form of corporate philanthropy, now integral to corporate strategy. CSI programs are linked to core company values, responsive to moral pressures, based on core competencies, and have measurable objectives. Firms adopt CSI for competitive advantage through reputation or in response to market demands. The article explores drivers behind CSI, its relation to changing social expectations for businesses, potential challenges, and critical success factors for designing effective CSI programs.
  • Academic / Journal Article

The new philanthropy: Its impact on funding arts and culture

  • Source : Americans for the Arts
  • May 2026
This article examines the impact of "new philanthropy," particularly venture philanthropy, on funding for arts and culture at the turn of the 21st century. It discusses how societal influences like technological innovation, wealth creation, new demographics, and government retrenchment reshaped the philanthropic landscape. While overall private giving grew significantly, arts and culture did not fully share in this growth, receiving a smaller percentage of total philanthropic distributions despite increased dollar amounts from foundations and charitable gift funds.
  • Academic / Journal Article

The Future of Philanthropy

  • Source : Taylor & Francis Online
  • May 2026
This article discusses the anticipated future trends and challenges facing the philanthropic sector. It explores how societal shifts, technological advancements, and evolving donor expectations are likely to reshape philanthropic practices. The author considers the increasing emphasis on impact, accountability, and collaborative approaches in addressing complex social issues. The piece offers a forward-looking perspective on how philanthropy can adapt and remain relevant in a changing world, emphasizing strategic and effective giving.
  • Academic / Journal Article

The fallacy of philanthropy

  • Source : Taylor & Francis Online
  • May 2026
This article critically examines the inherent contradictions and potential pitfalls within philanthropic practices. It delves into how philanthropy, despite its benevolent intentions, can sometimes perpetuate existing power structures or fail to address the root causes of social inequality. The author argues for a more nuanced understanding of philanthropy’s impact, considering both its positive contributions and its limitations in achieving genuine social transformation. It encourages a re-evaluation of traditional philanthropic models to foster more equitable and sustainable social change.
  • Academic / Journal Article

The Capabilities Perspective: A Framework for Social Justice

  • Source : Sage
  • May 2026
This article introduces the capabilities approach, originally proposed by Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum, as a framework for understanding and achieving social justice. It discusses its application in human development, public policy, and social work. The framework emphasizes individuals’ substantive freedoms and opportunities to achieve well-being, moving beyond traditional economic indicators. It provides a robust conceptual tool for evaluating societal progress and designing interventions that genuinely empower individuals to live lives they value, addressing inequalities and fostering equitable development.
  • Academic / Journal Article

The 'new'donor: creation or evolution?

  • Source : Wiley
  • May 2026
This article explores whether contemporary philanthropic donors represent a fundamentally new breed or an evolved form of traditional givers. It analyzes the behavioral patterns, motivations, and strategic orientations of modern donors, with a particular focus on their increasing engagement with impact, accountability, and innovation. The study suggests that "new" donors, often younger, tech-savvy, and wealthy, are more entrepreneurial and socially conscientious. They actively seek involvement in decision-making and demand measurable results, challenging traditional philanthropic approaches and requiring different engagement strategies from nonprofit organizations.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Speaking to a higher authority: Teaching philanthropy in religious settings

  • Source : Wiley
  • May 2026
This article discusses the integration of philanthropic teachings within religious education settings. It presents various strategies and challenges associated with combining faith-based motivations with structured giving curricula to foster values of generosity and civic responsibility among congregations. The article explores how religious institutions can effectively cultivate a culture of giving that extends beyond traditional charitable acts to encompass broader civic engagement and social impact.
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