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Academic / Journal Article

The Viability of Venture Philanthropy in a Nonprofit Organization

Source : Walden University ScholarWorks
May 2026

This case study investigates the viability of a venture philanthropy approach to augment revenue for a youth-serving nonprofit organization in Connecticut. It explores the perspectives of high-net-worth donors regarding venture-level investments. The study aims to inform organizational leaders about this revenue generation strategy, specifically addressing what donors need to know and their interest in such a model. Data from interviews with ten donors revealed three key themes for viability: organizational governance, member involvement, and impact reporting. The findings offer insights for nonprofit leaders seeking alternative, sustainable revenue sources and promoting positive social change.

Paper / Report

The Landscape of Large-Scale Giving by African Philanthropists in 2020

Source : bridgespan.org
May 2026

This report maps the landscape of large-scale giving by African philanthropists in 2020, analyzing trends, motivations, and areas of focus. It sheds light on the growing prominence of African-led philanthropy, highlighting its unique characteristics, including a strong emphasis on community development, social justice, and addressing local challenges. The report provides insights into the diverse strategies employed by high-net-worth individuals and foundations across the continent, contributing to a better understanding of the evolving philanthropic ecosystem in Africa.

Academic / Journal Article

The Hong Kong Umbrella Movement as a non‐profit organization: An empirical study on the use of visual branding practices for social change

Source : Wiley Online Library
February 2021

This empirical study analyzes the Hong Kong Umbrella Movement through the lens of a non-profit organization, focusing on its use of visual branding to achieve social change. It examines how the movement strategically employed symbols, imagery, and visual communication to mobilize supporters, convey messages, and build a collective identity. The authors explore the effectiveness of these branding practices in influencing public opinion and advancing the movement’s objectives. The study offers insights into the role of visual branding in social movements.

Academic / Journal Article

The ethics of entrepreneurial philanthropy

Source : Springer
May 2026

This article delves into the ethical considerations surrounding "entrepreneurial philanthropy," a model that blends business principles with charitable giving. It likely examines the moral implications of applying market-driven strategies, such as venture capital and impact investing, to social issues. The paper may explore potential tensions between profit motives and social good, questions of accountability, and the power dynamics inherent in such approaches. It aims to provide a framework for understanding and navigating the ethical challenges unique to this evolving form of philanthropy, ensuring that innovation aligns with true societal benefit.

Academic / Journal Article

The Diversity Imperative: The Effects of Local Economic Structure and Social Capital on Local Philanthropy

Source : Springer
May 2026

This article examines the intricate relationships between local economies, social capital, and local philanthropy, specifically exploring how diverse local economic structures moderate the effect of social capital on philanthropic activities. Using quantitative analysis across 3,036 US counties, the findings suggest that economic diversity significantly influences a community's capacity to mobilize collective resources for both elite and social welfare-oriented philanthropy. The research highlights critical policy implications for local policymakers and community leaders regarding diversifying economic resources to enhance local philanthropic engagement and address community demands.

Academic / Journal Article

The complexity of diversity and importance for equitable philanthropy

Source : Wiley Online Library
May 2026

This article unpacks how equity-centered philanthropy must embrace the complexity of diversity. It provides recommendations for moving beyond tokenism and towards truly inclusive funding practices that account for intersectionality and systemic inequities. The authors emphasize the need for philanthropic organizations to deeply understand the multifaceted nature of diversity, including race, gender, class, and other intersecting identities. It advocates for strategies that dismantle power imbalances and promote genuine equity in resource allocation, ensuring that philanthropic efforts contribute to systemic change rather than superficial inclusion.

Paper / Report

The Bridgespan Group Publishes New Research Highlighting Funding Practices to Build a Stronger NGO Sector in India

Source : Bridgespan
May 2026

This Bridgespan report identifies high-impact funding practices crucial for strengthening the capacity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of NGOs in India. It emphasizes the importance of flexible funding, multi-year commitments, and strategic investments in organizational development, advocating for a shift beyond traditional program-based grants. The report outlines four key steps for building strong and resilient NGOs, addressing common challenges such as underfunding of indirect costs and the disproportionate impact on DBA-led and rural organizations. It serves as a roadmap for funders aiming to enhance the overall effectiveness of the Indian NGO sector.

Media Article

Tech sector giving is transforming philanthropy

Source : Oxford Analytica
May 2026

This commentary highlights a paradigm shift in philanthropic practices, increasingly driven by technology companies and entrepreneurs. It emphasizes the adoption of direct action models, data-driven approaches, and a disruptor mindset that challenges the traditional, often slower, institutional frameworks of philanthropy. The article notes the rise of "megaphilanthropy" due to the immense sums involved, paralleling 19th-century industrialists. It discusses how tech sector giving is moving beyond equipment donations towards "digital transformations" and reflects varying national characteristics in philanthropic priorities, urging tech leaders to address social ills influenced by their businesses.

Academic / Journal Article

Social Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurial Philanthropy: Their Contribution to a 'What Works' System in the Homelessness Field

Source : European Journal of Homelessness

This article explores how social entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial philanthropy in Europe contribute to evidence-based solutions for homelessness. Through case comparisons, it demonstrates that hybrid approaches, integrating market strategies with grant funding, produce replicable models. The success of these models, however, depends on shared learning systems and trust between foundations and practitioners. The author emphasizes the need for adaptive evaluation frameworks to identify effective interventions and scale them for greater impact in the homelessness sector.

Paper / Report

Moving from Intention to Impact: Funding Racial Equity to Win

Source : PolicyLink
May 2026

This joint PolicyLink-Bridgespan study analyzes the state of funding for racial equity, highlighting critical concerns for funders aiming for transformative change. It notes insufficient funding for historically undercapitalized organizations, predominantly led by people of color and focused on systems change. The report emphasizes that accountability in racial equity work requires rigorous, transparent reporting. Funders are urged to trust and prioritize the needs articulated by movement leaders to direct resources effectively towards initiatives addressing root causes of inequity, ensuring enduring impact beyond temporary responses.