The power of now: Making the case of India

This report urges global philanthropists to recognize the critical need and immense opportunity for giving in India, a nation home to a seventh of the world’s population, to achieve sustainable development. It highlights the strength and vibrancy of India’s philanthropy sector and advocates for increased global giving. The report profiles influential global philanthropists supporting India, such as Amit Bhandari and Maya Patel, and showcases seven inspiring, systems-focused initiatives like Project ECHO, demonstrating India’s potential for widespread impact and setting a global development example. It concludes with actionable steps for global givers, foundations,

The Perfect Pair or Strange Bedfellows? Neoliberal Social Change and Social Justice Philanthropy

This research investigates how social justice foundations incorporate neoliberal social change concepts into their practices and grantmaking. Through a text analysis of documents from the fifty largest social justice foundations, the study examines their understanding of neoliberal social change and its impact on grantmaking strategies. It explores the implications of neoliberalism on the nonprofit sector, public policy, and the role of philanthropy in addressing social needs, particularly concerning the potential for "re-privatization" and "de-politicization" of social issues.

The Influence of Philanthropy in the Economic Development of Grand Rapids

This article investigates the significant influence of philanthropy on the economic development of Grand Rapids. It explores how philanthropic investments, particularly from foundations and individual donors, have historically contributed to various sectors, including education, arts, healthcare, and urban infrastructure. The study analyzes the mechanisms through which philanthropic capital has stimulated economic growth, fostered innovation, and supported community initiatives. It highlights the unique role of strategic giving in shaping the socio-economic landscape and promoting long-term prosperity in the region.

The growth of climate change misinformation in US philanthropy: evidence from natural language processing

This article uses natural language processing to analyze the prevalence and growth of climate change misinformation within US philanthropy. It identifies how certain philanthropic organizations may directly or indirectly support the dissemination of inaccurate information about climate science. The authors highlight the concerning trend of philanthropic funding contributing to the undermining of climate action efforts. The study calls for greater transparency and accountability within the philanthropic sector regarding their contributions to climate-related discourse.

The Cultivation Approach to Place-Based Philanthropy: Evaluation Findings from the Clinton Foundation's Community Health Transformation Initiative

This article presents evaluation findings from the Clinton Foundation's Community Health Transformation Initiative, a place-based philanthropic effort. It outlines how the "cultivation approach " focuses on building local capacity, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and empowering communities to lead their own health transformation efforts. The findings suggest this approach can lead to sustainable, community-driven health improvements. The study provides valuable insights into effective strategies for place-based philanthropy, emphasizing the importance of community ownership and partnership in achieving lasting social impact in health.

Stuck between the idea of philanthropy and social right: Dilemma of social assistance in China

This article critically examines China’s social assistance system, which is caught between a charity-based philanthropic approach and a rights-based welfare framework. Based on a qualitative study involving social assistance recipients and policy implementers, it argues that the social right to receive assistance has not been fully established due to the persistent influence of philanthropy. This ideological tension creates a dilemma in the design of state welfare, impacting poverty alleviation efforts and the fundamental relationship between citizens and the state. The findings suggest implications for policy and practice reforms to move towards a rights-based system.

State philanthropy: The demise of charitable organisations in Botswana

This article examines the decline of civil society and charitable organizations in Botswana, primarily attributed to increased state involvement in traditional philanthropic functions. It critiques how centralisation and bureaucratisation have inadvertently undermined grassroots initiatives and diminished citizen participation in social development efforts. The study highlights the adverse impact of governmental overreach on local philanthropic endeavors, suggesting a shift away from community-led approaches towards more state-controlled welfare mechanisms, leading to reduced civic engagement and independent charitable action.

Southern Trends: 50 Years of Philanthropy in the Southeast Region

This report, developed in collaboration with the Southeastern Council of Foundations, chronicles the evolution of philanthropy in the U.S. South over five decades. It highlights a significant shift from family-led giving towards a more diverse philanthropic ecosystem, documenting key trends in funding, assets, and impact strategies. The report reveals that Southeastern foundations’ assets more than doubled since 2004, with the majority of giving remaining within the region and education being the leading target for funding.

Social enterprises, venture philanthropy and the alleviation of income inequality

This article analyzes how venture philanthropy-funded social enterprises can reduce income inequality, using quantitative and qualitative data from European cases. It finds that hybrid models, combining revenue generation with stakeholder inclusion, demonstrate stronger redistributive effects compared to traditional grant-only initiatives. The authors call for tailored funding frameworks that address both business viability and social equity, emphasizing that social enterprises can contribute significantly to system change, especially when supported by appropriate financial mechanisms.

Social change, social welfare and social science

This book explores the complex relationship between social welfare systems, social change, and social science research. It analyzes how welfare structures adapt to various societal shifts, including technological advancements, demographic changes, and growing inequality. The author advocates for interdisciplinary policy research to inform equitable social reforms and urges welfare institutions to adopt systems-thinking and participatory governance for enhanced resilience. The work underscores the critical role of informed policy design in navigating modern social challenges.
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