• Paper / Report

Charity and Philanthropy in Russia, China, India and Brazil

  • Source : WINGS
  • 1 January 1970
This report provides a global overview of institutional philanthropy, examining trends, challenges, and opportunities across regions. It compiles case studies and data from more than 20 countries, highlighting how legal frameworks, cultural norms, and economic conditions shape philanthropic practices. The report identifies growing interest in strategic giving, collaboration, and impact measurement, while noting persistent gaps in infrastructure, data availability, and accountability. It advocates for greater global learning and capacity-building in the sector.
  • Paper / Report

Beyond grantmaking: Philanthropic foundations as agents of change and institutional entrepreneurs

  • Source : Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly
  • 1 January 1970
Studies examining the role of philanthropic foundations in advancing social change have primarily focused on the impact of foundations' financial resources. This article argues that foundations also leverage social mechanisms to advance and legitimate desired change, acting as institutional entrepreneurs. It highlights how foundations strategically employ networks, knowledge dissemination, and advocacy to influence policy and practice beyond direct financial contributions. The research offers a nuanced perspective on the multifaceted roles foundations play in societal transformation, emphasizing their capacity to shape norms and institutions in pursuit of their missions.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Questioning generosity in the golden age of philanthropy: Towards critical geographies of super-philanthropy

  • Source : Progress in Human Geography
  • 1 January 1970
Hay & Müller critique the "golden age " narrative of mega-philanthropy, urging examination of power dynamics tied to wealth, taxation strategies, place, diaspora, and inequality. They call for geographical inquiry into where philanthropic power is concentrated, how it shapes space, and how systemic imbalances persist amid rising wealth transfers. The article challenges the uncritical celebration of large-scale philanthropy, advocating for a more rigorous analysis of its potential to exacerbate rather than alleviate existing inequalities. It emphasizes the need to understand the socio-spatial dimensions of philanthropic influence and its broader implications for social justice.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Reconceptualising zakat in Indonesia: Worship, philanthropy and rights

  • Source : Indonesia and the Malay World
  • 1 January 1970
Retsikas reconceptualizes zakat in Indonesia, moving beyond its traditional role as a ritualistic act of piety to view it as a socio-legal instrument. He argues that zakat functions as a redistributive and empowerment-focused social finance tool, aligning with principles of transparency, accountability, and the Sustainable Development Goals. The article highlights significant transformations in Indonesian zakat policies, institutional roles, and their positive impact on community outcomes and social justice.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Reflections: Philanthropy and Social Justice Feminism

  • Source : CUNY Law Review
  • 1 January 1970
Phillips offers a critique of mainstream philanthropy through a feminist social justice lens. She argues that many foundations prioritize neutrality over transformative change, often failing to address root causes of inequality. The article advocates for values-aligned funding that centers the experiences and leadership of women of color and grassroots organizations, emphasizing the dismantling of patriarchal power dynamics within philanthropic practices to achieve genuine social justice.
  • Book

Putting a New Theory of Philanthropy Into Practice: Challenges and Opportunities

  • Source : Oxford University Press
  • 1 January 1970
Ostrander explores the application of evolving philanthropic theories, shifting from traditional donor-recipient models towards justice- and participation-based frameworks. She discusses the practical challenges in implementing these new approaches, including changing donor mindsets, building organizational capacity, and ensuring robust accountability mechanisms. Practical case studies illustrate both the opportunities and limitations encountered when translating philanthropic theory into actual practice. The work provides valuable insights for philanthropists and organizations seeking to adopt more equitable and effective strategies, emphasizing the need for systemic changes in approach to truly foster social justice and community empowerment.
  • Book

School reform and philanthropy: Theory and literature

  • Source : Philanthropy and Education
  • 1 January 1970
Thümler uses new institutionalism to analyze how philanthropic involvement in school reform seeks both legitimacy and performance. He argues that foundations adopt educational strategies not solely for effectiveness but also to conform to external norms, which helps secure resources and institutional acceptance. The chapter maps the tensions between rational actor assumptions and symbolic legitimation in education philanthropy. This perspective highlights how philanthropic efforts in education are often influenced by prevailing institutional pressures and the need to appear credible, rather than being driven purely by outcome-oriented motives, leading to a complex interplay of goals and strategies in the sector.
  • Case Study

The Need for Greater Integration of Philanthropy in Multiparty Social Change Efforts: A Case Study of Portland's Collective Impact Initiative

  • Source : Google Scholar
  • 1 January 1970
This study examines the role of foundations in multiparty collaborative efforts for social change, specifically within collective impact initiatives, using Portland as a case study. It identifies a critical disconnect between traditional short-term philanthropic funding and the long-term nature required for systems change. This misalignment impedes the impact potential for both foundations and nonprofits. The dissertation advocates for greater integration, urging foundations to become more active participants and make longer-term investments. Concurrently, it calls for social change groups to view foundations as integral partners in co-creating and evaluating collective impact efforts, rather than merely as funding sources.
  • Academic / Journal Article

On the compatibility of benevolence and self-interest: Philanthropy and entrepreneurial orientation

  • Source : SAGE Journals
  • 1 January 1970
This article investigates the link between entrepreneurial orientation and philanthropic behavior in 270 Lithuanian SMEs. Findings indicate that entrepreneurship and altruistic values co-exist, with owner-managers’ philanthropy driven not only by strategy but also by psychological motivation. The study highlights that philanthropy is relatively common among SME owner-managers, challenging the view that philanthropy sequentially follows wealth generation. It provides evidence that entrepreneurially oriented firms engage in philanthropy even when moderately successful, suggesting that entrepreneurial drive, rather than just resources, correlates with philanthropic activity, particularly in a transition economy context.
  • Academic / Journal Article

Olivier Zunz. Philanthropy in America: A History. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2011. x+ 382 pp. ISBN 978-0-691-12836-8, $29.95 (cloth).

  • Source : Cambridge University Press:
  • 1 January 1970
This scholarly review of Olivier Zunz's 2011 Princeton University Press volume presents a systematic narrative of U.S. philanthropy from the 19th century to the late 1990s. Reviewer Greg Witkowski highlights Zunz's integration of foundation archives, legal and regulatory developments, and institutional histories, as well as its lasting insights despite limited coverage of modern technological impacts. It offers a thorough examination of the historical evolution of American philanthropy and its societal influence.
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