Philanthropy Research Articles

MECHANISMS OF SOCIAL AND SOLIDARITY FINANCING IN THE MODERN ECONOMY

The article studies the essence and peculiarities of using social and solidarity financing mechanisms in the modern economy. The development of the social and solidarity economy, which balances the goals and priorities of sustainable development with the goals and values of the market economic system, raises the issue of financing organizations in this sector that do not always adhere to economically sustainable business models. Companies of the social and solidarity economy are a tool for forming a new and efficient system of the national economy, providing environmental protection, cultural development, education, healthcare, social security, implementation of civil society initiatives, etc. However, as they pursue primarily social rather than economic goals, the issues of their financial support and achieving financial sustainability in the long-term context are being raised. The article analyzes the transformation of social and solidarity financing mechanisms, defines their essence in the current context, and identifies the primary sources of social and solidarity financing by potential providers. The latter include individuals, participants, shareholders, other stakeholders, foundations and philanthropic organizations, financial intermediaries, and public authorities. The next stage of the study systematizes the main types of social and solidarity financing mechanisms in the modern economy, including traditional (donations, grants, loans, subsidies, etc.) and innovative forms (ethical, impact investing, tolerance capital, social stock exchanges, etc.). Based on the analysis, the authors substantiate the reasons for the growing role of social and solidarity financing in the modern business sector, which include an increase in demand for qualified personal and social services as a result of the long-term COVID-19 pandemic and Russian aggression in Ukraine; and the actualization of social inclusion issues due to the growing social inequality and uncertainty of specific population groups and the need for their social adaptation.

FRANCES HESSELBEIN AND THE POWER OF EMPATHY

AbstractThe author retired from the Army as a major general and became the president of the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, where he served for 14 years. He writes that “for the past 21 years, she had generously served as my (and many others) mentor as I transitioned from a career in the Army to the academic world and then again as I became a faculty member at Thayer Leadership.” He was particularly impressed by “her remarkable ability to empathize. I watched her relate to and inspire young students from inner city New York, college students from China and Africa, combat veterans, CEOs of our largest corporations, and executives of philanthropic organizations.”

Food Security of the Elderly during COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: COVID-19 ushered in a new era of devastating economic and social conditions and sustainable food chains around the world. One of the most vulnerable groups in this situation was the elderly. This study aims to investigate the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on food security of the elderly living in Isfahan, Iran.
 Methods: Written informed consent was obtained from 350 old people before entering the study. Data were collected using socioeconomic status and FaCPS-FSSM food security questionnaires; there were eight items which measured food security among the elderly.
 Results: 41.7% (n=146) of the elderly had complete food security. In addition, 29.4% (n=103), 20% (n=70), and 8.9% (n=31) of participants suffered from food insecurity without hunger, food insecurity with moderate hunger, and food insecurity with severe hunger, respectively. There was a significant association between socioeconomic factors, such as age, education level, family size, the number of children and food security (P<0.001). Meanwhile, variables of gender, ethnicity, the total number of children, and marital status were not significantly associated with food security (P>0.001). In addition, there was a significant association between economic factors such as employment status, homeownership, having health insurance, receiving food aid, being supported by philanthropic organizations, and food security (P<0.001).
 Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of food insecurity among the elderly, special attention should be paid to factors contributing to this issue; they should be translated into improved food security for the elderly by removing risk factors and strengthening protective factors.

Philanthropic Behavior and Culture Difference

This paper explores the relationship between culture and philanthropic behavior, taking into account the unique differences between cultures. Philanthropy is a universal value that has guided human actions throughout history, but cultural differences can significantly impact how it manifests. Understanding these cultural differences is crucial for philanthropic organizations to effectively engage donors and make a significant impact on society. By adopting a more culturally sensitive approach and leveraging cross-cultural partnerships, philanthropic organizations can create positive change and address some of the most pressing social and environmental challenges facing our world today.

General Fundraising Trends among University Patrons and Entrepreneurs to Promote the Sustainability of Universities

One of the most important issues for higher education institutions is achieving financial viability and sustainability by expanding revenue sources, as the costs associated with ensuring the operation of higher education institutions is increasing. Therefore, raising funds through donations for universities means new challenges. Within the framework of this study, the authors have drawn attention to attracting funds to universities from patrons of universities and companies, providing a detailed analysis of trends in this field. The purpose of this study was to analyze the general trends in fundraising among university patrons and businessmen, and to identify possible solutions that could help in attracting donations to universities and promote their sustainability in the future. The research methodology applied in this research included analysis of the literature, conducting surveys, and analysis using statistical methods such as the correlation method, chi-squared test, and ANOVA. This study provides an insight into the situation in Latvia regarding the trends of patrons and entrepreneurs donating to universities. The results of this study show that philanthropic organizations should work on building a feedback relationship with patrons to promote as much fundraising as possible.

Collective Vision: Promoting Leadership, Partnership, and Opportunities to Improve Health in Greater Hazelwood

Greater Hazelwood, a neighborhood located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, saw a decline in residents, businesses, and services at the decline of the steel industry. Residents, philanthropic organizations, advocates, health centers, schools, universities, and community-based organizations continue to collaborate to revitalize the Greater Hazelwood neighborhood. Duquesne University Center for Integrative Health was engaged by a place-based grantmaking strategy in Greater Hazelwood to explore the creation of a collaborative partnership between universities, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), schools, residents, and community-based organizations to improve access to comprehensive and quality healthcare in Greater Hazelwood. This collaborative designed health and wellness programs based on community-identified health priorities to improve health outcomes. These programs provide opportunities to for multi-sector partners and interdisciplinary health professionals to meet residents where they are, decrease disease disparity, and promote health equity.

THE IMPACT OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ON THE STABILITY OF THE COMPANY'S RELATIONSHIPS WITH EMPLOYEES AND CONSUMERS

Digital technologies are currently on top in all industries, including the sphere of charity and the activities of non-profit philanthropic organizations. The spread of the coronavirus pandemic has promoted the introduction and active use of a wide range of digital technologies. The activities of charitable organizations and their strategic development depend on their readiness for the digital transition, that is the development and implementation of digital technologies in almost all spheres and areas of work. In his article, the author provides an overview of the most striking examples reflecting the advantages of implementing charity digital technologies in the work of non-profit organizations engaged in various types of charitable activities in different countries. Based on his review, the author concludes that since charitable institutions are inevitably integrated with the digital economy, it is important for them to use new technologies and prepare for a digital transformation strategy in order to ensure the prosperity of the digital charity sector and to withstand the upcoming uncertainties. The author pays special attention to a fundraising technology. Since online donors usually donate less, fundraisers should work more carefully on the development of platforms and provide various channels for donations. The author substantiates the need to use contactless electronic payments to accept donations.

Implementing Maqāṣid Syarīʿah on Social Innovation For Sustainable Zakat Management Organization in Indonesia

The growth of zakat collection by zakat management organizations has increased significantly in the last two decades in Indonesia. Unfortunately, not all zakat management organizations can adapt and sustain in the long term. Social innovation encourages organizations to maintain and realize the maqāṣid of zakat management. The paper analyzes the implementation of the maqāṣid syarīʿah concept developed by Auda (2015) on the process of social innovation in zakat management organizations in Indonesia. The analysis results show that one of the creations of social innovation in the Zakat management organization in Indonesia is a community-based economic empowerment program. Zona Madina is one of the prototypes created by Dompet Dhuafa, which tried to empower community development from Zakat, sadaqah, and waqf. By using an analysis of maqāṣid, social innovation made by Dompet Dhuafa is consistent with maqāṣid al-khāṣṣah where the form of economic empowerment in zona Madina, a means of maintaining maqāṣid al-‘āmmah from Zakat. With the establishment of the zona Madina, Dompet Dhuafa realizes two things at once: moving the wheels of the community’s economy and the sustainability of the zakat management organization. This article contributes to developing strategies for Islamic philanthropic organizations in Indonesia to be sustainable by creating social-based innovation.

A bibliometric analysis on innovation in philanthropy research: a study based on Scopus database

PurposeIntellectual curiosity about innovation in philanthropic organizations has grown recently. This study aims to provide a thorough bibliometric analysis of the patterns and trends in the scientific literature on innovation in philanthropy.Design/methodology/approachBased on the Scopus database, a descriptive bibliometric analysis with a visualization tool (RStudio®) was used to assess the creation of 159 articles on innovation in philanthropic organizations.FindingsThis research finds a large number of papers on innovation in philanthropic organizations. According to this study, the USA has published more research than any other country. The Icahn School of Medicine has the most popular publications, followed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. According to the number of citations, the Journal of Business Ethics is the most prolific journal. However, according to the h-index, Corporate Reputation Review is the most important publication. Halme M is regarded as a prominent scholar. With 244 citations, the work of Kramer MR and Porter ME is the most referenced. “Philanthropy” is the most often used keywords category, followed by “innovation” and “social innovation”.Practical implicationsThis study can serve as a useful reference for researchers conducting bibliometric research by offering information on the field’s famous authors. Furthermore, the outcomes of this study make it straightforward for researchers to seek extensive academic collaboration in this field.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to present a pattern in research on innovation in philanthropic organizations.

Public Relations Implemented in Islamic Philanthropic Organizations at LAZISNU

Islamic philanthropic organizations have been the people’s choice to distribute Zakat, Infaq, and Shadaqah. However, only a few realize that public relations is essential to maintaining relationships with audiences. NU Care LAZISNU East Java implements a public relations strategy to maintain public trust. This study aimed to analyze the implementation of public relations concepts in the Islamic philanthropic institution of NU Care LAZISNU, East Java. NU Care LAZISNU East Java, with various excellent programs, tries to build and maintain public trust as an institution that collects people’s funds and carries out a humanitarian mission. Thus, this research wants to examine further characteristics of public relations in Islamic philanthropic institutions to get a positive branding image. The method used qualitative research through interview techniques, observation, and documentation from NU Care LAZISNU, Scientific and Practical Basics of Islamic Communication East Java. The theory used to analyze is relationship management. The study results show that implementing public relations in the Islamic philanthropic institution at NU Care LAZISNU, East Java, is based on ethics, credibility, openness, trust, involvement, and mutual benefit principles. It is because this institution’s policies, activities, and programs are closely related to Islamic teachings in the form of the implementation of Zakat, Infaq, and Shadaqah. The public relations strategies are institutional identity, community involvement, publications, and events.

William Bryant Mumford, 1900–1951: entrepreneur in colonial education

ABSTRACT Recent debates relating to the #Rhodes-Must-Fall and related movements invite a careful reappraisal of the complex field of colonial education in the late colonial era, given the lack of attention to the field by historians and the significance of this legacy for the development of educational policy in the post-colonial world. The British, French and German colonial offices, along with missionary societies and American philanthropic organisations, had attempted to shape such policies in the first half of the twentieth century, broadly influenced by notions of Indirect Rule and Progressive Education, but there were also significant critics of formal policy initiatives who have only had intermittent scholarly attention. Bryant Mumford’s career in the field (especially in Tanganyika – 1923–1932) and in his role as lecturer in the newly established Colonial Department at the London Institute of Education (1934–1942), provides valuable insights into the world of colonial education.

Rethinking School Improvement Organizations: Understanding Their Variety, Benefits, Risks, and Future Directions

School practices and policies are often influenced by various research, nonprofit, for-profit, and philanthropic organizations. To help understand their influence, this article provides a framework accounting for the variety of school improvement organizations (SIOs) and summarizes debates regarding their benefits and risks. I cluster SIOs as providing (a) direct school support, (b) research/advocacy, or (c) funding—each with a continuum of organizations underneath them. Studies highlight how SIOs take innovative risks, create improvement networks, and transform school practices. However, they also emphasize the danger of creating challengers to public institutions, the possibility of state retreat, and loss of community input. The article concludes by suggesting ways to use this framework for future studies, assess SIOs’ outcomes, and address their risks.

Organizing family philanthropy: mobilizing resources and setting up governance for impact

Abstract Based on their research and experience, the authors find that “best practice” philanthropists adopt a pragmatic and rigorous approach to organizing their philanthropy. That is, they tend to run their philanthropic organizations as efficiently and effectively as possible, with clear structures, roles and responsibilities, as well as goals. The total resources and engagement of a family and wider network determine the setup and governance of one’s giving. In this article, the authors show how philanthropic families can organize their resources and governance to achieve the desired impact across generations. The authors conclude that mobilizing resources and structuring governance in a harmonized and holistic way helps philanthropists to achieve their desired impact.

The Political Embeddedness of Voluntary Action: The Case of Local Philanthropic COVID-19 Relief Funds.

Scholars and policymakers have long been interested in the complex relationships between political institutions and voluntary collective action. However, the reciprocal nature of their relationships complicates empirical analysis: voluntary action supports democratic institutions and political institutions enable voluntary action. This article examines the relationship between political institutions and the activation of local voluntary action in the context of COVID-19 funds managed by community philanthropic organizations. We find that political engagement, policy signaling, and political competition all support the emergence of a COVID-19 fund. The findings advance our understanding of the significant role that political institutions play in activating voluntary action.

Diaspora Philanthropy: A Study of Diaspora-Funded Philanthropic Organizations' Activities in the Health Sector of Kerala, India.

Diaspora Philanthropy: A Study of Diaspora-Funded Philanthropic Organizations' Activities in the Health Sector of Kerala, India.

“Why do you want to bring that stuff up again?” Lessons learned from one school’s race-conscious education programming

ABSTRACT The purpose of this qualitative case study is to share the story of a school district in the Deep South region of the U.S. that created race-conscious educational programming to bring about equity and social justice within its schools and community. The district received three years of funding and additional support for the programming through a significant philanthropic grant. Despite of this support and reports of positive impacts for students, the program has nearly collapsed. Data collection methods included interviews with six educators (three leaders and three teachers) from the district who had direct experience with or knowledge of the race-conscious educational programming as well as multiple visits to the district, observations, and document reviews. Even though the educators reported many positive aspects of the educational programming, there were two main challenges relating to the implementation and sustainability of this race-conscious educational programming: Legacy Issues and Competing Priorities. Working in unison, these challenges chipped away at and contributed to the near demise of the race-conscious educational programming across the district. We discuss implications for leadership alongside the role of philanthropic organizations in supporting race-conscious educational programming.

The strategies and challenges of community foundations in community building: The making of cloakroom communities

AbstractIn a volatile, uncertain, and heterogeneous world, community philanthropic organizations play critical roles in community building. Nevertheless, few studies have examined the strategies of community philanthropic organizations in community building and the tensions they encounter in fluid communities. This study investigated four community foundations in highly mobile and diverse suburban communities and found that the strategies of community building involved highlighting the distinctiveness of locality, protecting the integrity of localities against the control of the metropolis, ensuring geographic representation of foundation leadership, and building an inclusive community identity that acknowledges diversity. Nevertheless, with the concern of alienating donors of dispersed interests, community‐building efforts have only created what Zygmunt Bauman calls the “cloakroom community,” a substitute for genuine communities, where people come together for a time, but their individual concerns are not blended into group interests, and collective actions to address community issues do not occur. This deters community foundations from effectively engaging local people and creating long‐lasting social solidarity.

Following New Philanthropy by Network Ethnography: How Did the Varkey Foundation Land and Expand in Latin America?

Purpose New philanthropy develops new forms of policy “problem-solving” through the influx of private actors’ money and ideas. It adopts singular configurations across different policy spaces, with implications for education governance. We address this phenomenon by analyzing the Varkey Foundation's (VF) “landing” and “expansion” in Latin America. VF is a global philanthropic organization registered in the United Kingdom in 2011 with a main hub in Argentina, where it landed in 2017. Design/Approach/Methods We use network ethnography to examine the influence of new philanthropy on education governance as this phenomenon demands new methods to grasp the “realities” of governing beyond conventional ways and understanding policy mobilities. Findings Results indicate how VF “landed” in a little pro-market space via productive uses of policy networks. The second phase of data collection and analysis presents further consolidation of VF in Argentina, its expansion into Latin America, and its establishment as a legitimate education policy actor. Originality/Value This study provides new evidence and insights into how policy networks enable new philanthropy to land and consolidate within national boundaries and, later, across the region as a legitimate actor in education.

Crayfish Research: A Global Scientometric Analysis Using CiteSpace.

A scientometric analysis was conducted to investigate the trends and development of crayfish research in terms of literature published, author, affiliation, and countries' collaborative networks, as well as the co-citation dataset (e.g., author, article, and keywords). The study analyzed 12,039 bibliographic datasets from the Web of Science, using CiteSpace as a tool for the co-citation analysis. The study revealed extraordinary increases in publication trends, with a total of 21,329 authors involved in approximately 80% of countries around the world (163/195) having conducted crayfish research. Unsurprisingly, countries such as the USA and China, followed by European countries, were among the top countries that have published crayfish-related studies. The findings also indicated that "invasive crayfish" was the world's top keyword for crayfish research. Crayfish species are important for both environmental sustainability (invasiveness and species composition) and social wellbeing (aquaculture), which provides directions for research, philanthropic, academic, government, and non-government organizations regarding how to invest limited resources into policies, programs, and research towards the future management of this species. Our study concluded that strategic collaboration among authors, institutions, and countries would be vital to tackle the issue of invasive crayfish species around the world.

Investing in community power building to increase civic engagement through voting: lessons from the Building Healthy Communities initiative

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to examine the impact of investments in community organizing made as part of a 10-year comprehensive community initiative focused on community power building in California. Data from multiple sources were used to examine the relationship between investments and one measure of civic engagement, voter turnout. Comparisons were made over time (2010–2019) and between intervention and propensity-weighted comparison sites. Analyses determined that investments by the funder were positively associated with turnout; this effect differed across elections and was largest in 2012. Broad investments to support community engagement, organizing, and base building had a positive impact on voting, an important indicator of civic engagement. In historically marginalized or underserved communities, investing in power building can yield benefits despite structural barriers that result in inequities. As restrictive electoral reforms grow across the country in the wake of the 2020 election, initiatives designed to build power may support proactively organizing against these changes or provide the infrastructure to understand and navigate them. Investing in community power building is a promising strategy for philanthropic organizations, organizers, and policy makers.