Mapping Philanthropic Foundations’ Characteristics: Towards an International Integrative Framework of Foundation Types (original) (raw)
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Providing foundations : philanthropy, global policy and administration
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Philanthropy is gaining renewed policy prominence. Focusing on the institutional expressions of philanthropy-philanthropic foundations-this chapter critically explores foundations' various contributions to, and roles in, global policy. Emphasising the need to move beyond traditional perspectives, dominant focal points and well-established questions around philanthropy, the chapter argues for more synthesised, critically reflective, engagement with philanthropy in global policy research. To this end, the importance of examining historic antecedents of contemporary developments in philanthropy and the need for a stronger evidence-base are outlined. The chapter concludes by discussing the spectrum of research opportunities philanthropy provides for the global policy and transnational administration field.
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Over recent decades, philanthropic foundations have grown in numbers, scale and policy relevance. Yet their roles and contributions in the context of national and international politics and policies remain unclear, particular in view of the profound challenges G20 countries face in terms of social cohesion, governance, and the need for policy innovations. Drawing from the growing literature on philanthropy and recent research projects by the authors, we identify key roles for foundations, make a case for transparent, pro-active management style, and, in terms of an overall regulatory framework, propose policy recommendations towards enabling environments for philanthropy.
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The growth of the role of philanthropy in addressing social and developmental problems, particularly those related to healthcare and education, has raised concerns about the impact and proper role of such giving in the public sphere. This is especially true of large, corporate philanthropic actors, who are often far removed from the populations they are meant to serve and provide a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to tackling social issues. This paper proposes an alternative framework and certification for small- and medium-sized philanthropic organizations. Called SLOW Philanthropy, it emphasizes the importance of foundations being strategically and financially sustainable, locally responsive and grounded, open, and welcoming. It then provides case studies of three foundations, located in three different continents, embodying these ideals. Finally, it ends with recommendations for foundations that seek to be SLOW.
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Among all industrial societies, the United States has long granted the most scope to philanthropy. While foundations exist in many countries—most prominently in Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan—the United States stands out: in no modern society are foundations more numerous, and nowhere have they become so prominent and visible. Compared with their counterparts in Europe and Asia, the philanthropic foundations of the United States look back to a longer and more continuous history. In this book, however, our concern is not to explain why so many foundations have appeared in the United States or why they are more numerous and more influential here than in other countries. Instead, we ask, What difference have they made over time, and what difference are they making today? What have they contributed to American society over time, and what are they contributing today? How did foundations achieve impact in the past, and how are they attempting to make a difference today? It would be wrong to conclude on a note that suggests that all foundations subscribe to any single set of approaches. Instead, we step back for a moment to emphasize the extraordinary diversity of foundation size, approach, and purpose and to suggest that acceptance of that diversity is increasing. Recent decades have seen a remarkable and still little-studied flowering of religious foundations devoted not only to the oldest-established mainline Protestant denominations but also to evangelical Protestantism in many of its varieties, to the many dimensions of Judaism, and even to Catholic causes that had long made minimal use of foundations.38 The liberal National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy critiques the field from a progressive standpoint; the Philanthropy Roundtable and the Capital Research Center comment from the right. In its efforts to provide an umbrella for the entire field, the Council on Foundations has set up a number of specialized committees. Foundation program officers have organized a large and increasing number of grant makers in particular fields ranging from aging and the arts to the environment and health to the U.S. International Grantmaking project . Hence it is no surprise that those who call for new foundation approaches do not speak with a single voice.
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Reviewing information on philanthropic foundations in the United States, Germany, and 10 other countries, this article presents an overview assessment of the major similarities and difficulties involved in cross-national comparisons of this particular organizational form. Over the past two or three decades, foundations have experienced significant growth in many parts of the world, spurred by enabling policies devised by policymakers eager to generate private resources for public purposes. This article comparatively discusses relationships between foundations and other sectors, including the state; the purposes, approaches, and roles foundations pursue; and what makes these institutions distinctive. It concludes with some policy considerations.