A failure of philanthropy: American charity shortchanges the poor, and public policy is partly to blame

This article critiques the distribution of charitable giving in the United States, arguing that American philanthropy disproportionately benefits elite institutions like universities and museums, rather than effectively addressing poverty. The author contends that existing tax policies and public incentives distort philanthropic priorities, allowing donors to accrue substantial tax benefits without necessarily promoting equity. The paper advocates for a critical reassessment of philanthropic structures and proposes policy reforms to redirect charitable giving towards addressing broader societal needs, particularly those of economically disadvantaged communities.

World-Making, Major Philanthropy and the Big Society

This paper examines the concept of "world-making" within major philanthropy, focusing on the role of super-wealthy entrepreneurs in shaping society, particularly in the context of the "Big Society" initiative. It explores how these philanthropists leverage their various forms of capital—economic, cultural, social, and symbolic—to influence societal decision-making, resource allocation, and institutional change. The authors argue that while philanthropy can enhance the symbolic capital of donors, it also represents a significant resource for public good, especially in times of diminishing public funding. The study emphasizes the power dynamics inherent in large-scale giving.

Voting with dollars: philanthropy, money and education policy

This article critically examines the influence of philanthropy and financial donations on education policy, framing it as "voting with dollars." It analyzes how wealthy philanthropists and foundations leverage their financial resources to shape educational agendas, reforms, and outcomes. The author discusses the mechanisms through which philanthropic capital exerts influence, including funding specific initiatives, supporting policy advocacy, and shaping public discourse. The paper raises important questions about democratic accountability and the role of private wealth in public education policymaking, highlighting potential implications for equity and access.

Towards the Discourse of Islamic Philanthropy for Social Justice in Indonesia Ariza Fuadi

This article explores the discourse of Islamic philanthropy in Indonesia and its potential role in achieving social justice. It examines how traditional Islamic charitable practices, such as zakat, infaq, and shadaqah, are being reinterpreted and mobilized to address contemporary social inequalities. The author analyzes the challenges and opportunities for Islamic philanthropic organizations in contributing to a more equitable society, considering both theological frameworks and practical implementation strategies within the Indonesian context. The discourse highlights the evolving nature of Islamic giving beyond mere charity to a more systemic approach for social change.

The Social Ecosystem: Transitions within the Ecosystem of Change

This chapter introduces the concept of a "social ecosystem" to understand the dynamics and transitions within the social sector. It provides a framework for analyzing how various players, including philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and innovation, interact and influence social change. The discussion highlights the accelerating speed of change and the critical role of the social ecosystem in filling societal gaps and addressing challenges left by the state and enterprise sectors, emphasizing the need for holistic and integrated approaches.

The role of foundations in the changing world of philanthropy: A Houston perspective

This dissertation examines the evolving role of private foundations in the context of 21st-century philanthropy, specifically from a Houston perspective. It highlights philanthropy’s historical role in driving social change, from civil rights to environmentalism, and explores how foundations are adapting to contemporary economic and social pressures. The study, based on in-depth interviews with Houston foundation leaders, assesses current philanthropic challenges and identifies future learning and leadership strategies. It aims to capture the perceptions of these leaders as they navigate a rapidly changing philanthropic environment, exploring new paradigms for redefining and strengthening their leadership capabilities in serving the common good.

The importance of taking risk in philanthropy

This article discusses the critical importance of taking calculated risks in philanthropic endeavors. It argues that traditional, risk-averse approaches may limit the potential for significant social change. The authors advocate for philanthropists to embrace innovative strategies, invest in unproven but promising solutions, and accept potential failures as learning opportunities. The piece emphasizes that bold and strategic risk-taking can lead to more impactful and transformative outcomes in addressing complex societal challenges, ultimately fostering greater social innovation and progress.

The future of philanthropy: the role of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial philanthropy

This paper examines the growing influence of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial approaches within the philanthropic sector. It explores how entrepreneurial mindsets, characterized by innovation, risk-taking, and a focus on measurable impact, are transforming traditional philanthropic models. The authors discuss the rise of "philanthrocapitalism" and its implications for social change, analyzing the strengths and potential challenges of applying business principles to charitable giving. The research highlights the evolving role of entrepreneurs in addressing societal challenges.

Tactics in Philanthropy: The Case of the Moving Spotlight

Martin examines how foundations shift their attention and funding over time, likening the phenomenon to a "moving spotlight." He explores the strategic and tactical motivations behind these funding shifts, along with their impacts on grantees and broader implications for philanthropic learning and sustainability. The article emphasizes that tactical decisions—such as the timing of grants, staffing levels, and evaluations—are crucial for achieving philanthropic objectives. It argues that while strategy is much discussed, the tactical aspects often receive insufficient attention, leading to potentially lower returns on philanthropic investments.

Social Innovation: Stepping on the Accelerator of Social Change

This book discusses social innovation as a catalyst for large-scale societal change, detailing mechanisms such as social investment funds, innovation intermediaries, and scaling platforms. It identifies acceleration strategies, including data-driven feedback loops, ecosystem building, and policy integration, to foster rapid adoption of social solutions. The author emphasizes that social innovation often involves new combinations of existing elements, cuts across organizational boundaries, and creates compelling new social relationships to drive lasting progress.
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