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Academic / Journal Article

Coordinating philanthropy for peace

Source : Brill
May 2026

This paper likely explores the mechanisms and challenges involved in coordinating philanthropic efforts specifically aimed at achieving peace. It delves into how various philanthropic actors can work together effectively to support peacebuilding initiatives, addressing potential hurdles in resource allocation, strategy alignment, and impact measurement within complex conflict or post-conflict environments. The study would contribute to understanding the operational aspects of philanthropy for social change.

Paper / Report

Challenges in Indigenous philanthropy: Reporting Australian grantmakers' perspectives

Source : National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP)

This journal article explores the historical and cultural development of philanthropy in Australia. It investigates the motivations, patterns, and institutional structures shaping philanthropic practices in the country. The paper compares Australian giving with U.S. and U.K. models, analyzing the impact of tax policies, legal frameworks, and social expectations. The author advocates for more strategic, community-focused philanthropy and a shift from reactive charity to long-term social investment.

Book

Book Review: Challenges for Nonprofits and Philanthropy: The Courage to Change

Source : SAGE Journals

This book review critically examines "Challenges for Nonprofits and Philanthropy: The Courage to Change" by Pablo Eisenberg. The reviewer asserts Eisenberg’s central argument: many major foundations and philanthropic endeavors lack courage, are arrogant, irrelevant, and fail to address critical issues of equity and poverty in American society. Eisenberg also critiques nonprofits for lacking conviction and succumbing to funder influence. The book, primarily a collection of essays from The Chronicle of Philanthropy, advocates for higher ethical standards, accountability, and a renewed focus on helping the poor and disadvantaged. The review praises Eisenberg’s fearless critique and aspirational vision for leadership.

Book

Book Review: American Creed: Philanthropy and the Rise of Civil Society, 1700-1865

Source : SAGE Journals

This book review analyzes "American Creed: Philanthropy and the Rise of Civil Society, 1700-1865" by Kathleen D. McCarthy. The review highlights McCarthy’s selective coverage, focusing on philanthropic and reform groups of unenfranchised women and African Americans who used petition and protest. It discusses how these organizations, unlike Franklin’s associational experiments, often served as "engines of contention," particularly in the struggles against the American Colonization Society and early female activism. The review also notes McCarthy’s tracing of charities funded by capitalist enterprise or government subsidies, and the emerging distinction between two versions of civil society leading to the Civil War.

Paper / Report

Rights-based approach to philanthropy for social justice in Islamic societies

Source : Cairo: Gerhart Center Publication

An-Naim & Abdel Halim propose a rights-based philanthropic framework rooted in Islamic moral duties and beneficiary entitlements. They advocate for modernizing waqf structures and zakat frameworks to institutionalize charity as a right, thereby promoting transparency, social justice, and dignity within Islamic philanthropy. This approach aims to transform traditional charity into a systemic mechanism for empowerment and equitable distribution of resources in Islamic societies.

Academic / Journal Article

Sex Worker Health and Rights: Where Is the Funding?

Source : Open Society Institute
May 2026

Hatcher and Studer examine the intersection of service-learning and philanthropy within higher education. They argue that incorporating philanthropic practice into service-learning courses fosters deeper civic engagement and moral development among students. The article outlines specific course design principles, including reflective learning, robust community partnerships, and active nonprofit engagement, which help cultivate a lasting commitment to the public good. Their findings suggest that philanthropy serves not only as a funding tool but also as a powerful pedagogical strategy to instill crucial civic values, preparing students to become more socially responsible and engaged citizens in the future.

Case Study

Net gains: A handbook for network builders seeking social change

Source : BARR FOUNDATION

This handbook offers practical guidance for individuals and organizations involved in building social-change networks. It outlines three key stages: connectivity, alignment, and production. The toolkit includes diverse case studies and actionable strategies derived from real-world networks. It emphasizes the importance of evaluating network processes and integrating emerging scientific insights on connectivity to enhance effectiveness. The resource provides a comprehensive framework for designing, implementing, and assessing networks that aim to achieve sustainable social impact by fostering collaboration, shared purpose, and efficient resource utilization among various stakeholders.

Academic / Journal Article

Responsive Philanthropy in Mumbai: Corporate Sector and Social Justice Philanthropy

Source : RePEc
May 2026

Jogdand & Bansode investigate corporate philanthropy in Mumbai, assessing the alignment between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and social justice objectives. They find that while some firms adopt socially-oriented funding approaches, a majority of CSR activities remain largely transactional. The authors advocate for deeper stakeholder engagement and significant reforms in CSR practices within the Indian context to move towards more impactful social justice philanthropy. The study highlights the need for corporate giving to address root causes of inequality and engage in self-reflection to enhance accountability to the public they aim to serve.

Book

Accountability and legitimacy in American foundation philanthropy

Source : Russel Sage Foundation

This chapter examines the pervasive challenge of legitimacy for American foundations, arising from the privileged treatment of private assets in exchange for public good obligations. It delves into political debates surrounding increased regulation, such as payout rates, and contrasts them with European discussions on liberalizing foundation rules. The author argues that legitimacy hinges on balancing foundation autonomy with public service obligations, highlighting accountability as the dominant language for expressing concerns about foundation practices and governance.

Academic / Journal Article

Progressivism and philanthropy

Source : The Good Society
May 2026

Ealy & Ealy examine the synergy between early 20th-century progressivism and the rise of large-scale philanthropy. They contextualize philanthropy as part of Progressive Era reforms, arguing that philanthropic foundations upheld progressive ideals of expert-led public service, social planning, and institutional innovation. The authors highlight tensions between philanthropic liberalism and democratic pluralism, revealing the complex interplay of private charitable efforts and public policy objectives during a transformative period in American history.