Lesbian Giving-and Getting: Tending Radical Roots in an Era of Venture Philanthropy

This paper explores the landscape of lesbian philanthropy amid the rise of venture philanthropy. It examines how lesbian donors navigate tensions between radical grassroots origins and the formalized, metrics-driven models of mainstream funding. The study draws on interviews and data to assess how donors balance identity-based giving with strategic approaches aligned to impact and accountability. The paper reflects on key themes including financial stewardship, institutional development, and community engagement. It critiques the risk of depoliticizing radical agendas in the process of professionalisation and offers insights on preserving values while adapting to evolving funding ecosystems.

Generosity vs. altruism: Philanthropy and charity in the United States and United Kingdom

This paper offers a comparative analysis of the ethos and behavior of giving in the United States and the United Kingdom, specifically examining its relationship to civic life. It highlights significant disparities in overall giving levels between the two countries, with individual giving in the US consistently around 2% of GDP compared to less than 1% in the UK. The study identifies differences in giving ethos and behavior, postulating two models—generosity and altruism—to explain these variations and their implications for charitable practices.

Entrepreneurship in philanthropy

This article focuses on the increasing role of entrepreneurship in philanthropy, specifically highlighting how entrepreneurial principles can improve philanthropic effectiveness. It discusses various models of social entrepreneurship, where individuals or organizations use innovative business strategies to address societal challenges. The author explores the growing trend of philanthropists who combine business acumen with social goals to create sustainable solutions for issues like education, healthcare, and poverty. By applying entrepreneurial thinking to philanthropic initiatives, social enterprises can scale their impact and ensure that their efforts lead to lasting social change, moving beyond traditional charity models.

Enhancing and inspiring lesbian philanthropy

This article explores the intersection of lesbian identities and philanthropy, focusing on how the LGBTQ+ community, particularly lesbian individuals, has cultivated its philanthropic efforts to address systemic inequalities. The study highlights the importance of creating an inclusive philanthropic approach that actively supports the needs of marginalized communities. Lesbian philanthropists are recognized for their role in pushing for social change by addressing issues of gender inequality, discrimination, and access to resources. This paper advocates for recognizing the unique contributions of lesbian philanthropy and ensuring their voices are included in the larger conversation about social justice

Building a Business and Society Typology: Philanthropy, Social Responsibility, Corporate Citizenship, and Mutual Gain

This paper proposes a typology for understanding the relationships between business and society, distinguishing between philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, corporate citizenship, and mutual gain. Often used interchangeably, these terms, upon closer analysis, reveal important distinctions. The article explains these differences and discusses their implications, framing business and society relationships as collaborations involving business, government, and civil society organizations. It aims to clarify these concepts for a more precise discourse on corporate engagement in societal issues.

Reflections on the Roles of Philanthropy and Public Policy

Takanishi reflects on the intricate interplay between U.S. philanthropy and public policy, particularly in the sectors of education and child development. She explores philanthropy's catalytic role in shaping policy agendas, while also highlighting the critical need for long-term advocacy and structural engagement to avoid merely episodic influence. The author argues that for philanthropy to achieve lasting impact, it must move beyond short-term projects and commit to sustained efforts that address systemic issues through policy reform. This comprehensive approach ensures that philanthropic investments contribute to broader, more enduring societal improvements.

Settlements, social change and community action: good neighbours

Gilchrist & Jeffs (eds.) present a collection of essays that explore the historical settlement movement in Britain and the U.S. The book illustrates how community-based institutions played a pivotal role in fostering social cohesion, promoting adult education, and supporting youth development. It draws valuable lessons for contemporary practice, underscoring the critical function of local networks in driving civic engagement and facilitating participatory social change. The authors argue that the principles of the settlement movement remain relevant for addressing modern societal challenges, emphasizing the power of grassroots initiatives and collaborative efforts to build stronger, more resilient communities.

Women and philanthropy in India

This book explores the landscape of women and philanthropy in India. It delves into the motivations, patterns, and societal implications of women’s charitable giving within the Indian context. The publication examines how cultural, religious, and socio-economic factors influence women’s engagement in philanthropic activities. It also discusses the unique challenges and opportunities women philanthropists face in contributing to social change and development initiatives across the country. The work aims to shed light on a often-underestimated segment of the philanthropic sector, providing insights into its historical roots and contemporary manifestations.

An all-consuming cause: Breast cancer, corporate philanthropy, and the market for generosity

The rise of breast cancer-related marketing exemplifies a significant shift in corporate philanthropy and marketing over the past two decades. Corporate giving has evolved from an unstructured activity into a highly calculated and strategic function integral to profit-making. This article explores how breast cancer, as an "all-consuming cause," has become a prominent arena for this new form of corporate engagement, blurring the lines between charitable giving and commercial enterprise. It highlights the strategic motivations behind contemporary corporate generosity.

Out About Class: Social Change Philanthropy

Léonie Walker and Ingrid Sell reflect on class, race, and wealth stewardship within lesbian social change philanthropy. The article narrates Walker's activist trajectory, critiques traditional donor privilege, and advocates for conscious philanthropy that amplifies marginalized voices through collective giving frameworks. It emphasizes the importance of cross-class and cross-race dialogue to foster understanding among activists from diverse backgrounds, drawing on Walker's experiences with the Ms. Foundation and Astraea Lesbian Action Foundation.
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