Strategic Philanthropy and Social Innovation

This study examines how strategic philanthropy can serve as a powerful catalyst for driving social innovation and achieving sustainable change. It highlights various mechanisms through which philanthropic investments are designed to yield measurable social benefits. The article articulates how a strategic approach to giving moves beyond traditional charity to address root causes of social problems, fostering transformative solutions and long-term societal impact through careful planning and targeted interventions.

Participatory decision-making in contested societies: Examples from the field of community philanthropy

Kilmurray investigates participatory grantmaking models in Northern Ireland and Palestine, demonstrating how empowering local decision-makers fosters trust, enhances social cohesion, and ensures greater contextual responsiveness. She assesses community experiences and the roles of institutional actors, illustrating how this participatory model adds significant value within politically contested contexts. The study highlights the effectiveness of community-led philanthropy in building resilience and addressing complex societal challenges in conflict-affected regions.

Philanthrocapitalism, biodiversity conservation and development

Holmes examines venture philanthropy within biodiversity conservation, highlighting the involvement of Silicon Valley funders and NGOs promoting commercial ecotourism in Africa. He critiques neoliberal conservation models that prioritize market mechanisms, noting significant risks such as land grabbing and the problematic framing of capitalism as the primary solution to biodiversity decline. The chapter questions the long-term sustainability and equitable impact of such market-driven conservation approaches on local communities and ecosystems.

New development: Philanthropy in networked governance—treading with care

This article critically examines the evolving role of philanthropy within networked governance contexts. Jung and Harrow identify key concerns, including philanthropy’s potential neoliberal framing, its often superficial legitimacy, and the pressing need for deeper scrutiny of philanthropic foundations' roles, especially when they appear to replace public services. They advocate for a more reflective and rigorous debate on the implications of philanthropic engagement in public governance and service provision.

Online giving in India: Insights to improve results

Over recent decades, the giving landscape has transformed significantly, with online donations becoming an intrinsic part of NGO efforts to effect life-changing work. The digital sphere now provides an additional platform for NGOs to increase engagement with potential donors and strategically secure funds. This pilot study focuses on the online giving landscape in India, representing a critical first step in collecting comprehensive information on digital trends and practices within the sector to enhance fundraising and donor engagement.

Impact Investing -Who are we serving?

This Oxfam case study critically examines impact investing, questioning "who are we serving?" It analyzes the balance between financial and social returns, emphasizing the need for impact investments to genuinely benefit vulnerable communities. The report scrutinizes potential pitfalls and challenges in ensuring that impact investing truly aligns with social justice and poverty reduction goals, advocating for stronger accountability and focus on equitable outcomes.

Strengthening Family Planning Programs with Data: Creating a Culture of Data Demand and Use

This report from Measure Evaluation focuses on strengthening family planning programs through the creation of a culture of data demand and use. It outlines strategies and best practices for collecting, analyzing, and effectively utilizing data to improve program performance, inform policy decisions, and enhance service delivery in family planning initiatives. The resource emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making for achieving better health outcomes and ensuring the sustainability and impact of public health interventions.

How Stock Exchanges can advance gender equality

This UNPRI report explores the significant role of Stock Exchanges (SSEs) in advancing gender equality and contributing to sustainable development goals. It outlines various strategies and initiatives that exchanges can implement, such as promoting gender diversity in leadership, encouraging transparent reporting, and listing gender-focused financial products. The document highlights the direct and indirect impact of these actions on corporate practices and investor behavior, fostering a more equitable and sustainable financial ecosystem.

Impact Bonds: An emerging market opportunity for innovative financing

This article from Economic Times discusses impact bonds as an emerging market opportunity for innovative financing, particularly in the context of sustainable development. It highlights how these financial instruments can mobilize private capital to fund social and environmental programs, offering a new avenue for investment in developing economies. The piece emphasizes the potential for impact bonds to drive efficiency and deliver measurable social outcomes.

The Effectiveness of Data Science as a means to achieve Proficiency in Scientific Literacy

This paper evaluates data science education’s effectiveness in fostering scientific literacy. It compares the learning objectives and methodologies of introductory data science courses with those for scientific literacy requirements. The study concludes that data science courses, by emphasizing the scientific process, data preparation, analysis, and visualization, can serve as a viable alternative for students across various majors to acquire essential scientific literacy skills. This approach highlights the interdisciplinary nature of data science in developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
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