Philanthropy, politics and democracy

This article investigates the intersection of philanthropy and democratic governance, arguing that unregulated philanthropy can distort political equality. It evaluates mechanisms of public accountability and proposes policy interventions to align private giving with democratic norms. The author contends that as philanthropic actors increasingly influence social change and public policy, their accountability and legitimacy become crucial operational necessities, leading to growing external interest and scrutiny of their practices.

On Standardizing Philanthropy

This paper examines the relationship between government and philanthropic organizations in Israel. Sasson argues for the creation of an external agency to guide standards in cooperation, aiming to balance power and fill legal-regulatory gaps, emphasizing shared responsibility and institutional coordination. The report proposes a framework for enhancing the effectiveness and accountability of philanthropic endeavors through a collaborative approach between public and private sectors.

Promoting the Culture of Philanthropy in Malaysia

Mazlan, Lugiman & Jaafar analyze Malaysia's philanthropic landscape, identifying structural constraints—legal, religious, cultural—and recommending initiatives such as zakat modernization, CSR integration, and donor education programs to cultivate widespread giving. The chapter provides a detailed overview of the factors influencing charitable practices in Malaysia, from traditional Islamic giving to modern corporate social responsibility. It proposes actionable strategies to foster a more vibrant and effective philanthropic sector, emphasizing the importance of adapting to local contexts while promoting best practices in donor engagement and resource mobilization for sustainable social development.

New Philanthropy and Social Justice

This book critically examines "new philanthropy " driven by wealthy individuals and corporations. Through essays that discuss philanthrocapitalism, community development, and neoliberal influence, it questions whether contemporary philanthropic practices advance social justice or merely reinforce existing inequalities. It argues for deeper analysis of power, legitimacy, and long-term impact. The collection challenges conventional narratives of philanthropy as inherently benevolent, urging readers to consider its potential role in perpetuating systemic injustices. It provides a platform for critical discourse on the ethical implications and societal consequences of modern philanthropic trends.

Philanthropy and the politics of social policy

Buğra analyzes philanthropy's influence on social policy agendas, focusing on developing-country contexts. She contends that philanthropic funding shapes policy areas—such as education, health, and agriculture—while reflecting donors' priorities and governance preferences, raising questions about accountability, legitimacy, and policy autonomy. The chapter highlights how private funding can steer public policy, sometimes bypassing democratic processes and national priorities. It encourages critical examination of the power dynamics inherent in philanthropic interventions, particularly in nations striving for self-determined development. This analysis is crucial for understanding the complex interplay between private giving and public governance.

Philanthropy as political liquidation

Schiller critiques modern elite philanthropy, arguing it operates as a mechanism to convert economic wealth into political influence while avoiding regulation or accountability. He frames philanthropy as a "liquidation " of civic obligation, preserving wealth hierarchies under a moral guise, and calls for public scrutiny of its democratic implications. The article highlights how large-scale giving by the wealthy can subtly reshape public discourse and policy agendas, raising concerns about power concentration and the erosion of democratic principles. This critical perspective challenges conventional views of philanthropy as solely altruistic, urging a deeper examination of its societal impact.

NGOs, States, and Donors Revisited: Still Too Close for Comfort?

Banks, Hulme, and Edwards critically examine NGOs' capacity to achieve long-term transformative development and social justice goals. They argue that NGOs are often constrained by weak civil society roots and technocratic donor models, which limit their influence on structural drivers of inequality. Despite these challenges, the authors suggest NGOs can leverage their traditional strengths to bridge grassroots organizations with national-level structures, strengthening empowerment and social transformation.

Philanthropy and development in Southern Africa: philanthropy and resource governance

Mottiar examines philanthropy's role in resource governance in Southern Africa, with a focus on illicit financial flows and corporate influence. Using case studies from the mining sector, the report highlights philanthropy's potential to support economic governance reforms and enhance local accountability. It argues that strategic philanthropic interventions can counteract negative impacts of resource extraction, contributing to more transparent and equitable management of natural resources for sustainable development in the region.

Philanthropy Australia

This event program outlines discussions from the 2012 Community Foundations Forum in Australia. It highlights key themes such as place-based philanthropy, strategies for donor collaboration, methods for social impact measurement, and innovations in regional giving. The sessions specifically addressed tools for achieving collective impact and effective strategies for strengthening donor engagement within the Australian philanthropic landscape.

Philanthropists, civil society and international development

Hayman explores the interactions between philanthropic foundations, NGOs, and civil society organizations within international development contexts, with a particular focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. The chapter critically debates the diverging values and structural differences that exist, while also highlighting the potential tensions and synergies in their approaches to social justice and capacity building efforts. It examines the complex dynamics of cross-sector collaboration in development.
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