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

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.

Net gains: A handbook for network builders seeking social change

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.

Responsive Philanthropy in Mumbai: Corporate Sector and Social Justice Philanthropy

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.

Accountability and legitimacy in American foundation philanthropy

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.

Progressivism and philanthropy

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.

Philanthropy and governance

Eikenberry critiques the expanding role of philanthropic institutions in public governance amid state retrenchment. She highlights tensions between philanthropic autonomy and democratic accountability, warning against unregulated private influence in shaping public policies and civic life, and calls for frameworks to govern philanthropy’s public roles. The article underscores the necessity of establishing clear boundaries and oversight mechanisms to ensure philanthropic actions align with democratic principles and serve the broader public interest.

Philanthropy in Latin America: Historical Traditions and Current

Sanborn & Portocarrero outline four Latin American philanthropic traditions—colonial charity, immigrant solidarity, corporate giving, and modern foundations—and examine their evolution in civic engagement and nonprofit development. They recommend strengthening institutional frameworks to enhance impact. This historical overview reveals the diverse roots of philanthropy in the region and its role in shaping civil society. The authors’ recommendations highlight the importance of robust legal and organizational structures to maximize the effectiveness of philanthropic efforts, ensuring they contribute meaningfully to social change and development in Latin America.

Philanthropy and Activism

Goldman explores the intricate relationship between philanthropy and activism, arguing that funders exert influence beyond mere grant-making. They actively shape agendas, influence public discourse, and engage directly with grassroots movements. The article underscores the critical responsibility of funders to support activist strategies effectively without inadvertently co-opting their core missions or diluting their independent impact.
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