• Book

Communication and social change: A citizen perspective

  • Source : Google Books (originally Polity Press)
  • May 2026
Authors Paul Brest and Hal Harvey provide a strategic roadmap for philanthropy focused on achieving measurable social impact. They emphasize setting clear goals, using logic models, gathering evidence, and adjusting based on feedback. The book introduces key tools like theories of change and cost-effectiveness analysis, encouraging funders to adopt rigorous planning processes. It critiques reactive and fragmented giving while promoting deliberate, outcome-driven philanthropy, especially in sectors like education, health, and climate change.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Changing the world one voice at a time: philanthropy and community choirs in Australia

  • Source : Springer
This article examines how philanthropy intersects with the public sphere, particularly in media, culture, and civil society. It argues that while philanthropy can enhance public discourse and democratic engagement, it can also distort priorities if unchecked. The piece explores the dual role of philanthropic actors as funders and agenda-setters, raising concerns about legitimacy and power concentration. It calls for greater deliberation, transparency, and inclusive participation in philanthropic decision-making processes.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Changing the face of philanthropy: How two generations are expanding the discipline of higher education and nonprofit philanthropy

  • Source : Taylor & Francis Online
This study investigates how philanthropic funding influences urban policy reform. It presents case studies showing how foundations have catalyzed change in education, housing, and public health through strategic partnerships and advocacy support. The paper identifies key enablers of impact—such as local engagement, cross-sector alliances, and flexible funding—while also critiquing the limits of philanthropic influence in deeply political environments. It concludes that philanthropy is most effective when aligned with grassroots momentum and public accountability.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Can philanthropy be taught?

  • Source : SAGE Publications
  • May 2026
This study explores the efficacy of experiential philanthropy as a pedagogical strategy in higher education. It examines whether this innovative approach, which involves students studying social problems, analyzing non-profits, and making funding decisions, quantifiably impacts student learning and personal development. The research investigates learning outcomes associated with experiential philanthropy, seeking to demonstrate its capacity to integrate academic learning with community engagement and teach students to evaluate philanthropic responses to social issues. Findings indicate that this method enhances students’ appreciation of societal issues.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Bridging Philanthropy and Rights

  • Source : Sur - International Journal on Human Rights
  • May 2026
This article argues for closing the gap between development and human rights funding in the Global South, a shift observed in the Global North. While philanthropy in India often prioritizes development, human rights issues are frequently relegated. The authors contend that both philanthropic foundations and activists share responsibility for this bridge-building. They highlight the need for foundations to diversify perspectives and adopt rights-based approaches, and for activists to articulate human rights concerns in language accessible to funders, acknowledging existing power dynamics to foster impactful partnerships.
  • Book

Book Review: Meenaz Kassam, Femida Handy and Emily Janson, Philanthropy in India: Promise to Practice

  • Source : SAGE Journals
This book review highlights "Philanthropy in India: Promise to Practice" by Meenaz Kassam, Femida Handy, and Emily Janson. The book offers a vivid sociological and empirical account of India’s long-standing philanthropic traditions, rooted in religious concepts like ‘daan.’ It contrasts Indian practices with those in other countries, documenting government policies influencing philanthropy and identifying successful strategies. The authors provide unique insights into the cultural context and evolving landscape of giving in India, making it a valuable resource for understanding the complexities and nuances of philanthropy within the subcontinent.
  • Book

Review of What Is Philanthropy?

  • Source : Journal of Public Affairs Education
  • May 2026
Nickels reviews Salvatore Alaimo's What Is Philanthropy?, noting its strengths in clarifying definitions and taxonomies, but also its limitations in engaging critically with power and equity. She recommends integrating more diverse perspectives and addressing philanthropic accountability to hearten future scholarship on civil society. The review calls for a more nuanced and critical examination of philanthropy, moving beyond mere definitions to explore its broader societal implications, particularly concerning issues of power dynamics and equitable distribution of resources. It advocates for scholarship that challenges conventional understandings and promotes greater accountability within the philanthropic sector.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Resourcing Global LGBTI Movements: Systems Philanthropy for Social Justice

  • Source : Columbia University Press
  • May 2026
Heman investigates how global funders support LGBTI movements, applying the principles of systems philanthropy. The study advocates for structural investments that focus on sustaining networks, shifting societal norms, and building leadership capabilities across diverse global contexts. Through a combination of mixed-methods research and detailed case studies, Heman provides frameworks for funders to integrate justice-centered systems thinking into their global human rights efforts. This approach emphasizes understanding the interconnectedness of issues and designing holistic interventions that address root causes, fostering long-term social change and empowering LGBTI communities worldwide through strategic and systemic philanthropic engagement.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Beyond Funding: Leveraging Your Full Philanthropic Toolkit

  • Source : Stanford PACS Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society
  • May 2026
This article explores diverse strategies philanthropists can use beyond traditional financial contributions to maximize their impact. It delves into alternative philanthropic tools, emphasizing the importance of capacity building, collaborative funding, and leveraging non-monetary resources. The piece highlights how effective philanthropists engage in sustained and significant support for organizations aligned with their missions. It also serves as a toolkit for high-capacity donors and their advisors, guiding them through philanthropic planning, goal setting, due diligence, and continuous learning to ensure their contributions foster positive social and environmental change.
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