Book Review: Lawrence J. Friedman and Mark D. McGarvie (eds.), Charity, Philanthropy, and Civility in American History, Cambridge University Press, New York …

This book presents a collection of essays by professional historians exploring the dominant issues and theories concerning American philanthropy and its historical role. The overarching premise is that philanthropic activity stems from individuals’ desires to impose their societal ideals. Essays discuss how groups organized, often defining their societal role in the process. The book delves into the historical roots of charity and civility, highlighting various interpretations and debates among historians. It provides a comprehensive examination of philanthropy’s evolution and its influence on American society and civic life.

Book review: Kathleen D. McCarthy, american creed: Philanthropy and the rise of civil society 1700-1865, the university of chicago press, chicago and london, 2003 …

This review examines Kathleen D. McCarthy's historical analysis of philanthropy's role in fostering early American civil society between 1700 and 1865. It traces how elite charitable initiatives helped shape public institutions—from libraries and hospitals to educational centers—and nurtured communal bonds beyond familial or religious ties. The author highlights tensions between private generosity and civic responsibility, arguing that voluntary giving laid the groundwork for participatory democracy. Through rich archival examples, the review underscores philanthropy's dual capacity to empower communities while reinforcing social hierarchies, inviting readers to reassess assumptions about voluntary associations in nation-building.

Network power for philanthropy and nonprofits

This framework, combining research and a case study of "Lawrence Community Works," presents strategies for leveraging network power to enhance philanthropic and nonprofit effectiveness. It covers key aspects of network dynamics and outlines design principles aimed at amplifying social impact. The resource emphasizes that by understanding and strategically utilizing network structures, philanthropic organizations and nonprofits can foster greater collaboration, share resources more efficiently, and achieve more significant outcomes. It provides actionable insights for building robust and influential networks that contribute to broader social change, highlighting the importance of interconnectedness in achieving mission-driven goals.

Attitudes and Practices Concerning Effective Philanthropy

In 2003, The Urban Institute conducted a comprehensive survey of 1,192 staffed grantmaking foundations to create a detailed portrait of attitudes and practices concerning effective philanthropy. Funded by The David and Lucile Packard Foundation in partnership with Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO), the study explored various aspects of effectiveness, including communications, evaluation, grantmaking, and staff development. This report presents the findings, revealing how foundations perceive themselves, how they operate, and whether they align with their own beliefs regarding optimal functioning in the philanthropic field.

A theory of impact philanthropy

This article develops a new model of altruism called impact philanthropy, where donors seek to personally ‘make a difference.' This motive significantly differs from other models, as contributions from other donors can reduce an impact philanthropist's fulfillment, potentially leading to reduced aggregate giving. The model also suggests a codependent relationship between givers and receivers and a conflict between charitable organizations and donors regarding gift allocation, with donors preferring targeted contributions.

Philanthropy and law in South Asia: Key themes and key choices

This work examines the complex relationship between philanthropy and the state in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It highlights how legal frameworks both facilitate and control nonprofit activities, reflecting the state’s dual role in promoting and regulating the sector. The article delves into the nuances of philanthropic operations within distinct South Asian legal and political contexts, revealing how diverse national policies shape the landscape of civil society. It underscores the ongoing tension and collaboration between governmental authority and private charitable initiatives, identifying key themes and choices that influence the sector’s development.

Pink Ribbons Inc: Breast cancer activism and the politics of philanthropy

King critiques the "pink ribbon" phenomenon, arguing that charitable breast cancer marketing depoliticizes activism, privatizes responsibility, and marginalizes public health advocacy. She highlights how philanthropy shapes disease narratives and consumer culture, potentially undermining structural solutions to breast cancer. The book examines the problematic aspects of commodifying a serious health issue, diverting attention from systemic issues to individual consumer choices and fundraising.

Philanthropy, The Key To Humanity

Rose offers a reflective commentary on philanthropy's role in human society, describing giving as an essential expression of compassion and moral responsibility. He advocates for philanthropy that transcends purely transactional models, arguing that it is foundational to societal resilience and shared humanity. The piece underscores the deep, intrinsic connection between philanthropic acts and the well-being and moral fabric of human civilization, highlighting its importance beyond mere financial transactions.

Promoting philanthropy: Global challenges and approaches

This paper examines the global challenges and various approaches to promoting philanthropy worldwide. It discusses strategies for encouraging greater charitable giving and volunteerism across different cultural and economic contexts. The authors explore the role of donor education, infrastructure development, and policy frameworks in fostering a more robust philanthropic sector. The report provides insights into both obstacles and opportunities for expanding philanthropic engagement globally, emphasizing the importance of tailored approaches to maximize impact and build a sustainable culture of giving in diverse regions.

Philanthropy in Practice: Great Expectations Versus Getting the Job Done

Bailin contrasts high-profile philanthropic achievements with the norm of patchy results, urging realistic expectations. Through historical examples, he argues for humility, long-term commitment, and grounding philanthropic interventions in evidence and community needs. The report stresses the importance of aligning philanthropic aspirations with practical realities, advocating for a more grounded and patient approach to social change. It encourages funders to embrace a continuous learning mindset and prioritize genuine community engagement over grand, often unfulfilled, promises.
We use essential and analytics cookies to operate this website and understand how visitors interact with it. As this site also functions as a login identity provider (IDP) for other ISDM portals, some cookies are necessary to enable secure authentication. By continuing to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies.