• Paper / Report

Participatory research to understand and assess the evolution and maturity of the philanthropic support ecosystem with WINGS

  • Source : WINGS
This report presents findings from a participatory research initiative evaluating the development and maturity of the philanthropic support ecosystem. Collaborating with WINGS, the research assesses the effectiveness of support organizations in enhancing the capacity and impact of philanthropy globally. Through qualitative and quantitative methods, the study identifies key trends, challenges, and opportunities within the ecosystem, providing actionable insights for stakeholders to strengthen the philanthropic sector and accelerate transformative social change.
  • Book

Philanthropy since 1914

  • Source : Manchester University Press (The Reputation of Philanthropy
  • May 2026
Cunningham traces philanthropy's evolving public role through the 20th century, highlighting WWI-era collaboration with the state and post-war critiques of philanthropy as outdated. He maps shifts in public perception and institutional models, illustrating philanthropy's fluctuating cultural status. The book offers a comprehensive historical analysis of philanthropy’s adaptation to changing societal needs and political landscapes, showcasing its enduring yet often debated role in public life.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Philanthropy, social change, and feminism: Understanding US women's foundations and funds

  • Source : ProQuest
  • May 2026
Gillespie analyzes women-led philanthropic foundations in the U.S., exploring their feminist frameworks and social-change goals. She finds these funders prioritize gender equity, intersectionality, and grassroots empowerment. The study highlights how women's philanthropic organizations navigate institutional constraints to promote feminist values in grant-making, aiming to advance gender and social equality. Women’s foundations and funds are largely grantmaking organizations, with 37% being 501(c)(3) nonprofits and 63% housed within larger foundations. They are known for their collaborative and empowering nature.
  • Book

Philanthropy and the religious life of goodness in China

  • Source : In Handbook on Religion in China (Edward Elgar)
Weller, Huang & Wu document how religious philanthropy in China, particularly through industrialized donor models prevalent in Taiwan, China, and Malaysia, actively defines moral goodness and public welfare. This chapter meticulously explores the phenomenon of bureaucratized, large-scale giving, delving into its spiritual motivations. It also critically examines the significant implications of such religious philanthropy for the development of civil society and the broader governance landscape, offering a nuanced perspective on the intersection of faith, giving, and societal impact in Chinese contexts.
  • Book

Philanthropy and innovation

  • Source : Springer, Palgrave Pivot
  • May 2026
This book chapter explores the intersection of philanthropy and innovation, emphasizing how philanthropic capital acts as a catalyst for both technological and social experimentation. Through diverse examples from academia, science, and the arts, it outlines the structural elements that support innovative endeavors. The chapter advocates for transparent governance in philanthropic organizations and highlights philanthropy’s crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship. It argues that philanthropic funding provides essential risk capital, enabling the development and scaling of novel solutions to complex societal challenges where traditional markets might fall short.
  • Paper / Report

Philanthropy for a safe, healthy, and just world

  • Source : Candid Lab & PEACE NEXUS Foundation
  • May 2026
Based on a 2019 survey of 823 CSOs, this report reveals that less than 1% of philanthropic grants support peacebuilding, with only 18% of respondents considering it "very important. " However, 57% highlight resilience and stable societies as key. The findings suggest a broader societal embrace of social justice and human rights frameworks over explicit peace agendas, prompting funders to rethink priorities. The report encourages a re-evaluation of philanthropic strategies to more effectively address underlying issues contributing to instability and conflict.
  • Paper / Report

Philanthropy and the COVID-19 Response in India

  • Source : Bridgespan
  • May 2026
Venkatachalam, Yeh & Memon explore the responsive strategies of Indian philanthropists during COVID-19. They highlight how flexible, rapid funding filled critical gaps in healthcare, social protection, and community outreach. The report outlines targeted interventions—such as slum relief and PPE supply—emphasizing philanthropy's complementary role alongside government efforts in crisis contexts. It showcases the agility and vital contributions of the philanthropic sector in addressing urgent needs and supporting vulnerable populations during an unprecedented health crisis. This analysis provides valuable lessons for future disaster response.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Philanthropy and dementia care in Ireland

  • Source : Dementia (London)
  • May 2026
Carney & O’Shea assess The Atlantic Philanthropies' €33 million investment in dementia policy and care in Ireland (2011–2016). They analyze its impact on service provision, policy development, and stakeholder collaboration, highlighting philanthropy's catalytic role in national health reform. The study demonstrates how strategic philanthropic funding can significantly influence public health outcomes and policy landscapes, serving as a catalyst for systemic change. It provides a detailed case study of how targeted investments can lead to substantial improvements in critical social sectors.
  • Paper / Report

Philanthropic Foundations Canada: Building a community and a voice for philanthropy

  • Source : PhiLab (The Canadian Philanthropy Partnership Research Network), Université du Québec à Montréal
  • May 2026
This chapter explores the evolving relationship between philanthropic foundations and Indigenous communities in Canada. It highlights both the colonial legacy of philanthropy and emerging efforts to build more reciprocal, accountable partnerships rooted in Indigenous worldviews. Through examples and analysis, the authors call for shifts in governance, funding practices, and evaluation approaches to support Indigenous self-determination and systemic change, contributing to a more equitable philanthropic landscape. The paper emphasizes the need for philanthropy to genuinely contribute to Indigenous self-determination and systemic change rather than perpetuating colonial structures.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Philanthropy and Social Justice: Examining the Social Impact of Grant-making by Philanthropic Institutions in Australia

  • Source : University of Adelaide
  • May 2026
Simm explores how Australian philanthropic foundations conceptualize and implement grantmaking to advance social justice. Through in-depth case studies, she evaluates the social impacts of these grants and investigates how institutional priorities, evaluation practices, and stakeholder relationships mediate the effectiveness and justice orientation of philanthropic efforts. The research aims to understand the mechanisms that either enhance or limit philanthropy’s contribution to social justice outcomes.
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