The state of Arab philanthropy and the case for change

This article, by Naila Farouky of the Arab Foundations Forum (AFF), discusses the current landscape of philanthropy in the Arab region. It highlights the findings from a two-year study undertaken by AFF to understand the operational environment for foundations in the area. The paper aims to make a case for necessary changes within Arab philanthropy, addressing challenges and opportunities for growth and increased impact. It likely explores topics such as donor motivations, regulatory frameworks, transparency, and the potential for strategic giving to contribute to social development in the region.

The Roles of Corporate Philanthropy, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Shared Value

This book chapter defines and differentiates corporate philanthropy, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and shared value as approaches companies use for social engagement and health promotion. It explores how businesses operationalize these concepts, moving beyond traditional philanthropy to strategic philanthropy that leverages corporate expertise. The discussion emphasizes the evolving landscape where CSR shifts from profit allocation to integral business operations, focusing on stakeholder engagement, risk management, and social investment to achieve both business efficacy and societal benefits.

Strengthening philanthropic giving and impact investing for development in India

This report by Intellecap and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation explores the potential of philanthropy and impact investing to strengthen development efforts in India. It examines giving across various donor categories, including high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and the Indian diaspora, highlighting significant untapped capital. The study outlines opportunities for increasing private giving, such as fostering knowledge sharing among funders and establishing a supportive tax and policy environment. It emphasizes the need for ecosystem-level interventions to align private capital with desired development outcomes, promoting greater support for various development sectors.

Strategic social media: From marketing to social change

This book explores how the strategic use of social media can transcend commercial marketing to drive significant social change. It discusses various models and presents case studies where digital communication tools have effectively supported philanthropic and advocacy goals, particularly through integrated campaigns. The authors illustrate how social media platforms can be leveraged for broader societal impact, moving beyond traditional advertising to foster community engagement and mobilize action for social good.

Social justice philanthropy in South Africa: Reflecting on the underlying conceptual frameworks

Mahomed examines how South African philanthropic organizations define and implement social justice, drawing on indigenous ethical concepts like Ubuntu and horizontality. She identifies two primary frameworks: redistributive social welfare and transformative justice, arguing that cultural values significantly influence how funders prioritize empowerment and community voice. The chapter advocates for culturally sensitive frameworks that enable philanthropy to genuinely support systemic change and addresses underlying causes of inequality rather than merely mitigating impact.

Millennials, faith and philanthropy: Who will be transformed?

This video features a conversation between Mike Milken, Chairman of the Milken Institute, and Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises, on the topic of philanthropy. Milken, known for his work as a financier, public health innovator, and philanthropist, shares his insights during this discussion. The conversation likely delves into various aspects of strategic philanthropy, social impact investing, and the role of individuals and institutions in driving positive change globally. It provides a unique perspective from prominent figures in finance and philanthropy on contemporary charitable giving.

Making philanthropists: entrepreneurs, evangelicals and the growth of philanthropy in the British world, 1756–1840

This book examines the period of Lower Canada from 1791 to 1840, focusing on the significant social changes and the rise of nationalism. The author explores how economic shifts, land scarcity along the St. Lawrence Valley, and British immigration fueled class struggles, gave rise to political parties, and fostered nationalist sentiments. It also delves into the economic disparities between ethnic groups and the anxieties of rural Francophone peasants and urban workers, contributing to a reformist movement and ultimately the rebellion of 1837.

Local welfare systems and the risks of short-term innovation: philanthropy role in fostering permanent and inclusive social change

This study explores the effectiveness of student philanthropy and service-learning as pedagogical tools for understanding organizational change. It argues that engaging students in real-world grant-making and community service projects provides a unique and impactful learning experience. Through these live case studies, students gain practical insights into the complexities of organizational dynamics, social needs, and the processes of implementing and managing change within non-profit organizations. The paper highlights the experiential learning benefits in fostering civic engagement and understanding philanthropic impact.

Knowledge as leadership, belonging as community: How Canadian community foundations are using vital signs for social change

This article explores how Canadian community foundations utilize the "Vital Signs" reporting tool to implement a knowledge-driven leadership approach for social change. It argues that a community foundation’s greatest asset is its knowledge of the community, rather than just its endowment size. The paper discusses how these foundations reframe the concept of "community" to be less about strict locale and more about engagement and belonging, using data to drive change agendas both locally and nationally through inclusive models.
We use essential and analytics cookies to operate this website and understand how visitors interact with it. As this site also functions as a login identity provider (IDP) for other ISDM portals, some cookies are necessary to enable secure authentication. By continuing to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies.