Indigenous philanthropy

This piece explores the concept of ‘indigenous philanthropy’ as the non-state transfer of material and non-material resources among a given population. It argues that this form of giving, distinct from professional philanthropy, has historically been marginalized in academic and policy discussions. Key characteristics include its generally horizontal nature (among people of similar socioeconomic status) and its long, albeit problematic, interaction with Western knowledge. The authors emphasize that acknowledging mutual exchange between indigenous and Western knowledge does not negate power imbalances, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of diverse philanthropic practices.