Shifting notions of philanthropy: Themes in scholarship and practice

  • May 2026
  • Academic / Journal Article
  • Publisher : Cambridge
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Farley synthesizes contemporary scholarship to identify a shift from altruistic giving toward impact-driven philanthropy that emphasizes governance, policy influence, and "giving to gain. " Through comparative literature reviews, she highlights how academic focus now explores foundations' policy influence, donor–recipient dynamics, and accountability mechanisms in shaping equitable philanthropic practices. The article elucidates the evolving landscape of philanthropy, moving beyond traditional charitable models to embrace more strategic and outcome-oriented approaches. It critically examines the implications of this shift for governance, policy engagement, and the crucial aspect of accountability in ensuring equitable and impactful philanthropic endeavors.

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KEW Farley

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Key topics

Social Justice, Philanthropy and Human Rights

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