Social innovation, social entrepreneurship and the practice of contemporary entrepreneurial philanthropy

This article examines the intersection of social innovation, social entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial philanthropy in Europe and North America. Using mixed-methods research, it finds that philanthropic actors are increasingly adopting entrepreneurial behaviors like risk-taking and a focus on scaling and innovation. The authors argue that entrepreneurial principles are transforming philanthropic practices but also raise critical questions about the potential for profit orientation to overshadow core mission-driven values, emphasizing the importance of community engagement.

Social enterprise versus social entrepreneurship: An examination of the 'why'and 'how'in pursuing social change

This article critically examines the distinctions between social enterprise (organizational models) and social entrepreneurship (individual-driven ventures). Through conceptual analysis and case studies of non-governmental organizations, it reveals that enterprises focus on sustainability and revenue models, while entrepreneurs prioritize innovation and social impact. The authors advocate for hybrid strategies that combine organizational structure with individual agency to more effectively address complex social problems and achieve positive social change.

Markets Are Emerging: What about Philanthropy

This paper argues that an inefficient capital market exists for social finance across state, nonprofit, and private sectors. Traditional banks are largely uninvolved, and the private sector’s potential efficiencies remain untapped. The paper outlines key aspects for a more efficient social financial services industry, emphasizing the need for full market transparency and mechanisms to aggregate demand on clear platforms where risk can be defined. It also highlights the importance of engaging the corporate sector alongside the citizen sector and non-profit organizations to foster a more robust social finance ecosystem.

Linking public sector Corporate Social Responsibility with sustainable development: lessons from India

Economic think tanks predict India to be the world’s largest economy by 2050. This would require India to accelerate its industrial and infrastructure development. Industrialization based economic development will have a negative impact on the environment and hence sustainable development. Such steps could affect the social and environmental bottom line of the national economy. In recent years, a number of regulatory measures have been proposed by the Indian government to ensure corporate support to the goals of sustainable and inclusive development. The objective of these regulations is to achieve triple bottom line based growth. Notable among them is the mandatory Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) guidelines for public sector undertakings, first issued in April, 2010. I study the possibility and problems created by this effort by analyzing the policy documents and interviewing managers responsible for implementing CSR programmers in Indian public sector. Managers interviewed came from hydropower, coal, power distribution and shipping industries. Based on the study, four areas are identified that requires attention for effective linking between sustainable development and CSR, stakeholder engagement, institutional mechanisms, capacity building and knowledge management. Both government-public sector and public sector-community engagements have to be more streamlined. Institutional mechanisms have to be developed to see that CSR projects are effective and delivering. Importantly, managers at all levels need a better understanding of CSR and sustainable development. Since most projects are in rural areas, understanding of rural issues and sustainability is very important. Finally, such a large scale exercise in CSR should have a knowledge management mechanism to learn from the achievements and mistakes of the early years. I discuss the implication of the findings on India and other emerging economies many of which are struggling to balance growth and inclusive development. I conclude that the mandatory CSR guidelines for Indian public sector has the potential of achieving sustainable development only if early action is taken on the identified areas.

Islamic philanthropy and the private sector in Indonesia

This paper investigates the increasing involvement of the private sector in social welfare activities in Indonesia, specifically analyzing the practice of zakat among Muslim businessmen. It highlights the recent trend of establishing zakat agencies within private companies, which have emerged as new players in Indonesia’s rapidly expanding zakat sector. The study delves into the motivating forces behind these corporate zakat collectors, the religious ideas used to mobilize charity from Muslim workers, and how these concepts are interpreted and implemented within private companies. It argues that the introduction of corporate zakat signifies the dynamic Islamization of Indonesia’s private sector.

Introduction: Culture, Faith, and Philanthropy in Early Modern England

This historical analysis explores how cultural norms and religious beliefs shaped philanthropic practices in Early Modern England. It uncovers the role of faith-based motivations in the establishment of charitable institutions, endowments, and social welfare. By situating philanthropy within its cultural and religious context, the chapter unpacks how normative values influenced concepts of charity, obligation, and civic responsibility.

Intersectionality of gender and other forms of identity: Dilemmas and challenges facing women in India

This paper presents the complex challenges faced by women in India through an intersectional lens, exploring how overlapping identities such as caste, colour, religion, marital status, and class compound gender discrimination. The study highlights how these intersections create unique experiences of inequality in personal and professional domains, with systemic biases affecting women’s access to opportunities. It critiques the inadequacy of current workplace policies and cultural norms in addressing intersectionality and proposes the need for more inclusive frameworks to ensure gender equity in Indian society and organisations.

How Philanthropy Can Help Communities Advance Climate Change Adaptation

This report explores how philanthropic funding can support community-level climate adaptation. It recommends long-term risk financing, capacity building, integration of scientific and indigenous knowledge, and partnerships with governments. Emphasizing equity and environmental justice, it guides donors on systemic resilience strategies—such as preparedness planning, infrastructure improvements, and climate education—to support vulnerable communities.

Grassroots philanthropy: Fighting the power asymmetries of aid in rural Burundi

This report advocates for social-public-private partnerships in rural Burundi to counter power imbalances inherent in traditional aid models. It argues that external agencies, donors, and individuals often lack sufficient understanding of local communities and their actual needs, leading to ineffective aid. The authors emphasize that local community members possess crucial on-ground knowledge, making their direct involvement essential for identifying genuine areas of focus. The paper highlights how grassroots philanthropy can empower local communities and ensure aid efforts are more relevant and impactful.

Globalisation and the organisation of family philanthropy: A case of isomorphism?

This article investigates how globalisation is shaping family philanthropy by encouraging convergence in institutional practices across national contexts. Using the concept of isomorphism, it argues that elite philanthropic foundations are increasingly mimicking each other in terms of governance structures, funding models, and legitimacy narratives. Based on qualitative case studies, it sheds light on how global standards affect traditionally local and familial philanthropic expressions.
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