• Academic / Journal Article

Reflections on philanthropy and organizing in the United States

  • Source : Journal of Community Psychology
  • 1 January 1970
Frey explores the evolving dynamic between philanthropy and social movement organizing in the U.S., drawing insights from interviews with activists and funders. The article highlights the inherent tensions between flexible, trust-based financial support and the often-rigid metrics imposed by philanthropic institutions. It advocates for practices that genuinely honor grassroots leadership and prioritize systemic change over superficial interventions. The research suggests that a more effective philanthropic approach involves empowering community-led initiatives, recognizing their deep understanding of local needs, and providing support that adapts to the organic nature of social movements rather than imposing predefined outcomes, fostering authentic, sustainable impact.
  • Paper / Report

Race and Place-based Philanthropy: Building Community Power from Within

  • Source : Bridgespan
  • 1 January 1970
Bielak et al. advocate for race-conscious, place-based philanthropic strategies that empower local leadership and build community power from within. They outline actionable practices such as providing flexible funding, cultivating trust-based relationships, and developing community-defined metrics for success. The report aims to shift power dynamics towards residents, fostering long-term community health and agency rather than perpetuating traditional top-down approaches. By emphasizing equity and community-led initiatives, the authors propose a transformative model for philanthropy that supports self-determination and sustainable impact in historically marginalized communities.
  • Paper / Report

Releasing the Potential of Philanthropic Collaborations

  • Source : Bridgespan
  • 1 January 1970
Powell, Morfit & John explore how funders can form effective partnerships with peers, nonprofits, and public entities to accelerate social impact. They outline five key design principles: shared goals, clear governance, flexible resources, trust-based practices, and continuous learning. Supported by case studies, the report argues that such collaborations can unlock greater collective impact, allowing funders to source nonprofits more effectively, address systemic challenges, and support leaders with lived experience. It notes a surge in collaborative giving platforms, many of which prioritize equity, justice, and diverse leadership, signaling a significant shift in philanthropic practices.
  • Book

Reimagining Global Philanthropy

  • Source : Columbia University Press
  • 1 January 1970
Bowman & Wilcox critically analyze the shortcomings of Western-led global philanthropy and advocate for a paradigm shift towards empowering local leaders. They propose a "community-bank-style model" that supports grassroots innovation, with external partners adopting background roles. Drawing on pilot programs in Brazil, the authors argue this approach fosters transformative impact, strengthens local ownership, and enhances cost-effectiveness. The book challenges conventional top-down philanthropic strategies, promoting decentralized, community-driven development to address global challenges more equitably and sustainably, thereby "reimagining" the future of international giving by shifting power and resources to the ground.
  • Paper / Report

Race and Place-based Philanthropy: Building Partnerships to Extend Funders' Resources

  • Source : Bridgespan
  • 1 January 1970
This report explores how place-based funders can collaborate with diverse stakeholders—including donors, public officials, and nonprofits—to amplify community priorities and extend resources effectively. Through regional case studies, it demonstrates that convening multi-sector coalitions, aligning messengers with specific issues, and strategically utilizing data can significantly enhance philanthropic impact. The authors emphasize the critical importance of equity, representation, and power-sharing within these philanthropic partnerships, arguing that such an approach can unlock greater collective impact and build stronger communities. The report aims to guide funders in creating more effective and inclusive collaborative strategies.
  • Paper / Report

New African Philanthropy Forum-Bridgespan Group Study Identifies How Philanthropic Donors Can Overcome Barriers to Funding African NGOs

  • Source : Bridgespan
  • 1 January 1970
This study, a collaboration between the African Philanthropy Forum and The Bridgespan Group, highlights that African NGOs receive a disproportionately small share of philanthropic funding—only 9% from African donors and 14% from non-African donors over the past decade. Based on interviews with over 60 stakeholders and survey data, the report identifies systemic barriers across the grantmaking process, including a lack of targeted strategies and sustainable funding. It makes a compelling case for increasing funding to African NGOs, emphasizing their distinct role and proximity to communities.
  • Paper / Report

Bay Area Millennial Giving: Trends, Challenges, & Opportunities (Chinese Edition, December 2021)

  • Source : Stanford PACS Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society
  • 1 January 1970
This Chinese edition mirrors the original English report on Bay Area millennial giving, aiming to broaden the accessibility of its findings and recommendations. It facilitates cross-cultural understanding of how millennials with significant resources in the Bay Area make philanthropic decisions. The report delves into their preferred causes, giving mechanisms, and sources of philanthropic advice, while also identifying their major challenges in giving effectively. By translating these insights, the publication supports a wider dialogue on global philanthropic trends and encourages more efficient and impactful giving strategies among diverse donor populations.
  • Paper / Report

Back to the Frontier: Investing that Puts Impact First

  • Source : Bridgespan
  • 1 January 1970
This report explores the emerging approach of "impact-first" investing, which prioritizes social or environmental impact over market-rate financial returns. While impact investing has grown by combining financial and social good, this paper highlights a companion strategy that accepts below-market returns to achieve greater impact. This "catalytic capital" fills the gap between traditional market-rate impact investing and philanthropic grants, offering a crucial pathway for ventures with high impact potential but lower financial viability. It advocates for recognizing and embracing this approach to address urgent societal challenges.
  • Framework / Toolkit / App

Announcing: Australian Edition of the Toolkit

  • Source : Stanford PACS Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society
  • 1 January 1970
This toolkit is designed to help individuals and families develop a structured approach to philanthropy in Australia. It guides users through identifying core values, focusing on key issues, creating a giving budget, and developing a comprehensive philanthropy plan. The toolkit also provides insights into engaging family and the next generation in giving, understanding various giving vehicles (direct giving, Public Ancillary Funds, Private Ancillary Funds), and connecting with others in the philanthropic sector. Additionally, it offers guidance on measuring and evaluating non-profits and their strategies to maximize impact.
  • Paper / Report

Analysis on the Development of Global Philanthropy

  • Source : Atlantic Press
  • 1 January 1970
This inaugural report aims to understand worldwide philanthropic practices and trends, providing comparative analysis across countries and regions. It seeks to develop a picture of the magnitude of global philanthropic investment and foster an evidence-based discussion on global philanthropy. The report details institutional philanthropy, including scale, age, and classification, and examines foundation finances, priorities, purposes, operating models, and impact assessment strategies, while acknowledging the challenges of scarce, inconsistent, and incomparable global philanthropic data due to varied definitions and cultural traditions.
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