Private resources for public ends: Grantmakers in Brazil, Ecuador and Mexico

This report profiles the development and practices of philanthropic foundations in Brazil, Ecuador, and Mexico. Turitz and Winder highlight their crucial role in strengthening civil society and improving public service delivery. The study identifies emerging trends in local giving, examines institutional forms, and discusses the significant challenges these foundations face in navigating diverse legal and political contexts to effectively fulfill their missions.

Promoting Philanthropy? News Publicity and Voluntary Organizations in Canada

Greenberg and Walters examine how Canadian voluntary organizations receive news coverage. Analyzing over 500 groups, they find that media attention is primarily driven by organizational size and sector rather than their mission. This raises concerns about equity in public support and the overall visibility of nonprofit organizations, suggesting that smaller or less prominent groups may struggle to gain the public attention needed for their philanthropic endeavors.

Philanthropy among African American donors in the New York metropolitan region: A generational analysis

Mottino & Miller conduct a generational analysis of philanthropic motivations among African American donors in the New York metropolitan area. Based on in-person interviews with approximately 166 individuals, they identify distinct variations in giving causes and preferences linked to age cohorts. The report documents how evolving leadership roles and shifting identities within African American philanthropy influence charitable priorities across generations. This study provides valuable insights into the nuanced philanthropic landscape of this demographic, highlighting patterns and changes in their giving practices.

Philanthropy and educational reform during the great depression

Watras analyzes philanthropic interventions during the Great Depression, such as school consolidation programs and federal relief influence on education policy. He explores tensions between elite-driven reforms and democratic governance, highlighting both innovation and local resistance. The article provides historical context to the role of philanthropy in shaping educational landscapes, illustrating how external funding can introduce both opportunities for progress and challenges to local autonomy. It emphasizes the complex interplay between philanthropic influence, government policy, and community responses.

Philanthropy Program Design

Mittenthal synthesizes a decade of foundation practice to outline effective program design principles. He emphasizes integrating community needs assessment, clear goal-setting, metrics, and adaptive learning. With diverse case studies, the guide offers a practical framework for funders seeking coherent, impactful philanthropic strategies. This report serves as a valuable resource for optimizing philanthropic interventions, ensuring that programs are well-aligned with community needs and designed for measurable, sustainable impact. It underlines the significance of a robust and flexible approach to program development in the philanthropic sector.

Philanthropy and Equity: The Case of South Africa1

Kuljian analyzes philanthropy's role in addressing systemic inequities in post-apartheid South Africa. The paper examines patterns of giving, focusing on equity-focused funding and institutional priorities. It offers concrete recommendations for orienting South African philanthropy towards fostering social justice, promoting economic inclusion, and building robust local capacity. The study highlights how strategic philanthropic interventions can contribute to long-term societal transformation and address historical disparities.

A survey of theories of change within philanthropy

This paper surveys the concept of "theory of change" within philanthropy, examining its usage and definition among U.S. foundations. Findings reveal considerable confusion, with only 54% familiarity and no clear consensus on its definition. Despite theoretical assertions against simultaneously employing multiple theories, 86% of respondents reported using at least one, and many claimed to use all five typologies by Frumkin (2002). The study highlights a gap between theory and practice, advocating for further research into the effectiveness of concurrent application.

A century of philanthropy: A history of the Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation

This volume provides an in-depth analysis of philanthropic practices and their significant impact on social change, specifically through the lens of the Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation. It synthesizes theoretical insights with extensive empirical research to offer a nuanced understanding of how philanthropy catalyzes societal progress. The book traces the foundation’s history, examining its strategies, challenges, and successes in promoting various social causes over a century. It serves as a comprehensive case study, illustrating how sustained and strategic giving can lead to transformative outcomes in communities.

The Preservation of Handicrafts in the Southern Highlands: Northern Philanthropy and Social Idealists

This article explores the role of Northern philanthropy in preserving traditional handicrafts in the Southern Highlands. It discusses how social idealists have influenced the preservation efforts, highlighting the cultural and economic importance of handicrafts in these communities. The piece examines the challenges faced by these social movements, the financial support from philanthropic organizations, and the broader social change achieved through their interventions.

The Philanthropy/Civil Society Paradox1

This essay explores the concept of civil society, tracing its historical origins and conceptual framework, and highlights philanthropy’s crucial role in its evolution. It analyzes the contemporary challenge to civil society posed by the widening divide between pluralistic and communal elements. The essay concludes by discussing the complex task philanthropy faces in addressing this paradox, emphasizing the need for philanthropic efforts to navigate and bridge these societal divisions for the advancement of a robust civil society.
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