Will philanthropy save us all? Rethinking urban philanthropy in a time of crisis

This article critically examines the role of urban philanthropy, particularly in times of crisis. It questions the extent to which philanthropy can genuinely address systemic urban issues, exploring both its potential and limitations. The author challenges the notion that philanthropy alone can provide comprehensive solutions, arguing that it often operates within existing power structures and may not always lead to equitable outcomes. The piece encourages a rethinking of philanthropic strategies to move beyond traditional charitable giving towards more transformative approaches that challenge root causes of inequality and support community-led initiatives.

What Philanthropy Can Learn from Healthcare Benchmarking

This paper suggests that the philanthropic sector can significantly improve its performance measurement by adopting strategies from healthcare benchmarking. It highlights the current dilemma in philanthropy where organizations with similar missions lack shared, validated metrics to assess social impact and efficiency. Drawing parallels with the progress made in healthcare performance measurement, the author examines how the nonprofit sector can adapt these developments to benchmark its own activities. The report underscores the importance of developing standardized yardsticks to facilitate more effective assessment and comparison among charities, ultimately leading to greater accountability and improved outcomes in social impact.

The politics of China's internet philanthropy

This article examines the rise and politics of "internet philanthropy" in China, a leading trend involving digital platforms for low-cost, fast donations. It highlights the role of major internet enterprises and social media in its growth, particularly after the 2011 Guo Meimei scandal which eroded trust in traditional charities. The paper discusses government efforts to regulate and centralize internet philanthropy through initiatives like the "Internet Philanthropy Project," and how these efforts aim to cultivate "positive energy" in cyberspace and engage the public in addressing social problems.

The Landscape of Community Philanthropy

This article provides an overview of the evolving landscape of community philanthropy, highlighting its characteristics, key actors, and growing importance in local development. It examines how community-based giving differs from traditional philanthropy, often emphasizing local decision-making, asset mobilization, and responsiveness to specific community needs. The authors explore various models and trends within community philanthropy, showcasing its potential to foster social cohesion, build local capacity, and drive sustainable change from the grassroots level.

The importance of teaching philanthropy: Educating children for social good

This article explores the significance of integrating philanthropy education into the upbringing of children to foster social good. It highlights how teaching philanthropic values and practices from a young age can cultivate empathy, civic responsibility, and a lifelong commitment to community engagement. The authors discuss various approaches and benefits of such education, arguing that it empowers children to become active and compassionate citizens. The piece underscores the long-term positive impact of instilling a philanthropic mindset in the younger generation.

Teaching philanthropy: developing critical and compassionate approaches to giving

This chapter advocates for pedagogical strategies that emphasize the ethical, critical, and emotional dimensions of giving. It explores various classroom practices designed to cultivate reflective and thoughtful donors. The authors examine philanthropy through essential lenses of justice, equity, and compassion, encouraging students to consider the broader societal implications of their giving. The piece promotes an experiential learning approach, fostering engagement with community issues and encouraging students to recognize themselves as philanthropists, making responsible decisions while reflecting on their own moral positions within a diverse learning environment.

Taqwa (piety) approach in sustaining islamic philanthropy for social businesses

Sarif explores the integration of Taqwa—a Quranic concept emphasizing piety, God-consciousness, and accountability—into Islamic philanthropy models. The paper advocates for spiritually rooted frameworks to enhance the sustainability and ethical orientation of social enterprises aligned with religious giving. It examines how concepts like "ta’awun" (cooperation) and "fastabiqul khairat" (competing for goodness) contribute to sustainable competitive advantage and spiritual synergy in business. The study postulates that integrating these principles fosters unity and drives the market economy with greater social responsibility and accountability.

Social Justice Philanthropy Restructures to Focus on Power

Lief reports on a significant shift within justice-oriented philanthropy, where funders are moving beyond traditional grant distribution to prioritize power redistribution. Through examples like Justice Funders, the article demonstrates that equity now encompasses decision-making, land reparations, and donor accountability. It highlights a strategic pivot towards redistributive practices and systems-level transformation in philanthropic approaches, emphasizing the need for foundations to challenge traditional funding norms and actively support marginalized communities.

Social Justice in the Age of Philanthropy

Cobb and Nelson critique contemporary philanthropic practices claiming to promote social justice, highlighting tensions between technocratic models and justice-oriented values. They advocate for philanthropy to transcend managerialism, emphasizing alignment with grassroots movements and systemic transformation. The article argues that philanthropy’s true potential for social justice lies in mechanisms of "power with others," through cooperation and learning, while also acknowledging the persistent "power over" dimensions. It introduces "radical philanthropy" as an alternative to "philanthro-capitalism," stressing the importance of considering collective action for systemic change.

Social Justice and a Relevant Philanthropic Sector: Grantmakingrantmaking: Grantmaking

This report examines how foundations can transition towards social justice philanthropy through grantmaking practices that prioritize equity and systemic change. It recommends strategies such as fostering trust with communities, providing flexible funding, implementing participatory grantmaking, ensuring data transparency, and adopting internal DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) principles. The report incorporates insights from 40 foundations actively engaging in justice-oriented grantmaking, advocating for approaches that truly empower marginalized communities and challenge one-size-fits-all evaluations.
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