Partnering for systemic change: Big Indian philanthropy and its relationship with rights and advocacy

Three current trends within the Indian landscape today—growing inequality , increasing constraints on foreign funding for civil society organisations , and the promising potential for growth in Indian social sector funding , underline the moment of reckoning for big Indian philanthropy. If philanthropists in India can boldly address the deepest fractures in our society today, such as the systemic barriers and violations in right to housing, livelihoods, children and youth rights, climate justice and governance challenges, we will be able to envision a brighter future for all.

From charitable giving to social justice: Reimagining the role of philanthropy in India

India’s social sector is witnessing unprecedented growth as well as disruption. The robust civil society in India continues to work tirelessly towards accomplishing transformational change in socioeconomic structures to bring prosperity for all; where the benefits of growth and opportunities are more fairly distributed across communities and regions. Simultaneously, there has been rapid growth of the philanthropic community both in terms of increase in the amount of private sector funding (which totalled about Rs 64,000 crore in 2020) 1 , and in terms of diversification in the approaches and practices of philanthropy.

Why students need to be educated about philanthropy

This opinion piece published in the education section of The Hindu emphasises the importance of integrating philanthropic education into student curricula. Introducing students to philanthropy fosters empathy, social responsibility, and community engagement. By understanding the impact of giving and volunteering, students develop leadership skills and a sense of purpose. Educating youth about philanthropy encourages them to address societal challenges proactively, cultivating a generation committed to positive social change and the betterment of society.

How philanthropy can enable systems reform for more equitable school education in India

​This blog emphasises the pivotal role of philanthropic efforts in transforming India’s educational landscape. It advocates for strategic collaborations between philanthropists, NGOs, and government bodies to address systemic challenges and promote equitable access to quality education. By investing in scalable models and innovative solutions, philanthropy can drive significant reforms, ensuring that all children, regardless of their socio-economic background, receive the education they deserve.

Inclusive philanthropy for inclusive development: A systems thinking approach

Philanthropy must move beyond symptom-solving to address systemic social challenges. At WINGSForum 2023, ISDM’s Centre for Philanthropy for Inclusive Development led discussions on systems thinking, participatory grant-making, and inclusive approaches. By fostering collaboration and challenging power dynamics, philanthropy can drive long-term, transformative change for a more equitable and inclusive future. This blog is an outcome of that exercise.

Research Fellowship compendium: Community Philanthropy in India

Community philanthropy is rooted in local knowledge, shared ownership, and collective action to drive social change. This compendium brings together research that explores how communities across India mobilise resources, challenge power imbalances, and create sustainable impact. Through diverse case studies, these papers examine the role of community-led giving in addressing systemic inequalities, amplifying grassroots leadership, and shaping more inclusive development pathways. This compendium is a culmination of the research reports and insights as part of the research carried out by the Research Fellows for the cohort in 2024.

Unlocking the transformative potential of Indian philanthropy through trust

Published in ET Governance, this article discusses how adopting trust-based approaches in philanthropy can empower nonprofits and strengthen communities. By fostering trust, Indian philanthropy can drive innovation, enhance collaboration, and promote a more inclusive and equitable society. ​It highlights the Six Point Framework for philanthropic practices towards inclusive development.

Effective Boards, Effective Organisations

This article outlines the critical role of effective boards in ensuring organizational success in the social sector. It covers governance best practices, board composition, and strategic oversight. The discussion offers recommendations for enhancing board performance and accountability, thereby reinforcing ethical governance and fostering mission-driven leadership for improved organizational effectiveness.

Towards Accountability and Resilience: A Capacity Needs Assessment on Governance and Compliance for Indian SPOs

This Needs Assessment Study on Compliance & Reporting for Social Purpose Organisations (SPOs) in India, conducted by the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM) in partnership with NAVGRAAM, seeks to explore the current state of compliance in the SPO sector. It identifies key challenges faced by SPOs of varying sizes and across different sectors. The study aims to assess their compliance capabilities, examine their capacity gaps, and propose holistic solutions that support sustainable growth for these organisations.

The Growing Impact of Data Science in the Energy Industry

Data science is significantly impacting the energy industry by offering predictive analytics capabilities for forecasting demand, production, consumption, and distribution. This article highlights how data science contributes to greater efficiency in energy grids and informs strategic decision-making. Key trends include augmented analytics, AI as a service, and data democratization, all designed to make complex data more accessible and actionable for energy professionals. The integration of data science leads to optimized operations and better resource management within the energy sector.
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