Philanthropy Research Articles

Slavery, Colonialism and Civic Culture: The Development of Philanthropic Institutions in North East Scotland

This article explores the links between the development of civic culture, philanthropic endeavours, and the proceeds of enslavement and colonialism in North East Scotland. Assessment of the financial records of establishments dedicated to improving health, poor relief and education in this region underpins this article. This article demonstrates that the North East's colonial elite were keen philanthropists in ways similar to their counterparts elsewhere in Britain. Colonial capital played a discernible – if at times minor – role in funding North East philanthropy. There were differing degrees of impact across each institution, both in the scale of the financial contribution and its geographical provenance. Moreover, the evidence detailed in this article suggests that the Caribbean and South Asia milieu in the North East took different approaches to philanthropy. The former contributed more regularly and often to existing institutions; the latter tended toward endowing new projects. Deriving its conclusions from under-examined evidence and a Caribbean-South Asia comparative framework, this article shows that research on philanthropic organisations can generate a clearer understanding of the legacies of enslavement and colonialism in Scotland.

“Philanthropic Organizations Posted on Social Media: What Important Values Make Netizens React and Donate?”

ABSTRACT This study explores the underlying aspects of netizens’ reactions and actions when viewing philanthropic organizations’ posts on social media. The reactions of netizens in question are pressing the like and/or share buttons and writing comments. Meanwhile, the action is to donate. Our data comes from a survey with open-ended questions. Our respondents totaled 583 people. We found that the reaction of pressing the like button is most often done and generally without a specific reason. Netizens will press the share button when the philanthropic organization’s post evokes emotions. Netizens comment to convey trust and as a way to show sympathy for the beneficiaries. Video is a medium with higher news value and makes netizens more willing to donate than photos. Netizens will donate to a philanthropic organization’s post when they trust the institution, and it contains transparent information about the beneficiaries’ conditions and accountability and touches emotions. The presence of relevant religious quotes in the narrative of philanthropic organizations’ posts also increases netizens’ motivation to donate.

Rebranding God: The Jewish Revival Movement between Homeland and Diaspora

Against the gloomy forecast of “The Vanishing Diaspora”, the end of the second millennium saw the global emergence of a dazzling array of Jewish cultural initiatives, institutional modalities, and individual practices. These “Jewish Revival” and “Jewish Renewal” projects are led by Jewish NGOs and philanthropic organizations, the Orthodox Teshuva (return to the fold) movement and its well-known emissary Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidism, and alternative cultural initiatives that promote what can be termed “lifestyle Judaism”. This range between institutionalized revival movements and ephemeral event-driven projects circumscribes a diverse space of creative agency. Indeed, the trope of a “Jewish Renaissance” has become both a descriptive category of an increasingly popular and scholarly discourse across the globe, and a prescriptive model for social action. This article explores the global transformations of contemporary Jewishness, which give renewed meaning to identity, tradition, and politics in our post-secular world in two different sociopolitical contexts. Drawing on long-term ethnographic research, we interrogate the relations between “diaspora” and “homeland” by analyzing two case studies: the Jewish revival movement in Budapest, Hungary, and the Jewish renewal initiatives in Israel. While the first instantiates a diasporic movement anchored in a post-denominational and post-secular attempt to reclaim Jewish tradition for a new generation of Jew-llennials (Millennial Jews), the second group operates against the Orthodox hegemony of the institutional Rabbinate by revisiting religious ritual and textual study. By proposing new cultural repertoires, these movements highlight the dialectic exchange between center and periphery. The ethnography of religious revival decenters the Israeli Orthodoxy as “the homeland” and positions the diaspora at the core of a network of cultural creativity and renewal, while remaining in constant dialog with Israel and other diasporic communities.

Analisis Kontroversi Aksi Cepat Tanggap Berdasarkan Perspektif Maqashid Syariah

Indonesia, as the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, is also recognized as the most generous country according to the World Giving Index 2022. Islamic philanthropy in Indonesia has experienced rapid growth since the reform era, marked by an increased awareness of the importance of professional management to maximize the impact on the underprivileged. Aksi Cepat Tanggap (ACT) is one of the prominent Islamic philanthropic organizations with various initiatives such as Global Qurban and Global Wakaf, which have received positive responses from the Indonesian public. However, in 2022, ACT faced several allegations of financial misconduct, including embezzlement, misuse of donation funds from Boeing, mismanagement of waqf funds, excessive donation deductions, and money laundering. These scandals not only disrupted ACT's financial stability but also led to legal consequences for several of its executives. In Islam, the concept of Maqashid Syariah provides a framework for analyzing phenomena that may harm the Muslim community, including controversies involving ACT. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach to examine the ACT controversies through the lens of Maqashid Syariah. Based on this analysis, as an Islamic philanthropic institution entrusted with managing ZISWAF (Zakat, Infaq, Shadaqah, and Waqf) funds, ACT should adhere to the principles of Maqashid Syariah to avoid actions that undermine the protection of intellect, life, and wealth, which are part of the Maqasid al-Khamsah. This study contributes to the literature on Islamic Economics by providing insights into the application of Maqashid Syariah in the context of Islamic philanthropy. The practical implications of this research emphasize the importance of accountability and transparency in the management of ZISWAF funds by Islamic philanthropic organizations, regulators, and the community to ensure compliance with Maqashid Syariah.

Management of Muslim converts in Lebak Banten by YASMUI, Muhammadiyah, and Al Washliyah

The major challenges faced by Baduy converts in understanding and practicing Islam are due to limited access to formal Islamic education and the encroachment of Christian missionary activities. The purpose of this study is to explore and evaluate the effectiveness of Islamic philanthropy programs conducted by institutions such as YASMUI, Muhammadiyah, and Al-Washliyah in fostering the religious and social welfare of Baduy converts. This research uses a qualitative, descriptive-analytical research method, with a focus on the long-term sustainability of converts' development programs. Data collection was conducted through interviews, observation, and document analysis. The results show that Islamic education and social-humanitarian programs have had a positive impact on the religious understanding and social conditions of the Baduy converts. Collaboration between Islamic philanthropic organizations and the government is essential in providing free education facilities and social welfare services. The implication of the research shows that to optimize the sustainability and impact of these programs, continuous collaboration between the government and Islamic philanthropic institutions is essential. This includes the provision of formal education, health services and economic empowerment initiatives. In addition, this research highlights the need for improved infrastructure and support from the government to face the challenges posed by Christian missionary activities and to improve the overall welfare of the Baduy community.

Financial Toxicity Screening Preferences in Patients With Breast Cancer.

Financial toxicity is an important issue in cancer that affects quality of life and treatment adherence. Screening can identify patients at risk but consensus on appropriate timing or methods is lacking. We sent an anonymous survey to e-mail subscribers of a nationwide breast cancer-specific philanthropic organization in July 2023 asking about financial toxicity screening preferences. Frequencies, percentages, and medians were calculated for categorical and continuous variables. Of 5,774 potential participants, 738 respondents with a confirmed cancer diagnosis participated (12.7% response rate). Participants were 93% female (n = 690), had a median age of 50 years (IQR, 44-57), were 57% non-Hispanic White (n = 418), 20% Black/African-American (n = 149), 9.2% Hispanic (n = 68). 93% confirmed a breast cancer diagnosis (n = 689), and 54% were currently undergoing treatment (n = 400). Most indicated not being asked about financial stressors by (58%, n = 425) and not receiving assistance from their care team (68%, n = 498). Most preferred for providers to reach out regarding financial needs (83%, n = 615). Most wished for these discussions to take place early (when first diagnosed [45%, n = 334] or when treatment selected [37%, n = 275]) and to be asked frequently (each appointment [42%, n = 312] or once per month [36%, n = 268]). Participants felt most comfortable discussing financial needs with a social worker or patient/financial navigator (92%, n = 679), in person (75%, n = 553), or via telephone (65%, n = 479). Patients in this sample primarily consisting of women with breast cancer desired financial screening to occur early, often, and to be initiated by their providers. Patient preferences can inform optimal implementation of financial toxicity screening practices. Continued work refining best practices for financial toxicity screening should incorporate these patient preferences.

Deras, Identity, and Caste Cleavages in the Sikh-Dominated Society of Punjab

The argument of the paper is that deras, as religio-spiritual and philanthropic organizations, play a critical role in the identity formation of their followers (by providing them distinct symbols, sacred texts, gurus, cultural traits, codes of conduct, rituals, and prayers), which score the social surface and carve out numbers of distinct religio-cultural groups in the Sikh-dominated society of Punjab. Moreover, the value gainsay, along with the orchestrated identity formation process of deras, generates conflict in the Sikh-dominated society of Punjab, which deepens the prevailing social cleavages as well as generating new conflicts in the society. Such conflicts further degrade the social position of deras’ followers (who invariably belong to Scheduled Castes and Backward Castes) and even marginalize them within their own erstwhile caste(s) and community. By taking Dera Sacha Sauda as a reference, the paper shows that the value gainsay and the identity formation processes of the dera generate social conflict between its followers and radical Sikhs in Punjab. The study reveals that such conflict not only generates new social cleavage(s) (viz., Premies vs. Sikhs) between the two ideologically distinct segments but also engenders the prevailing caste and class cleavages in society.

The free riding in hospitality corporate giving: Theoretical explanation and implications

Previous research has demonstrated the positive influence of corporate giving (CG) on hospitality firm performance through the lens of value enhancement theory. Interestingly, empirical evidence indicates that this influence extends to all sampled hospitality firms, irrespective of their direct engagement in charitable giving. This phenomenon, termed the 'free rider problem' or 'free riding' in hospitality CG, highlights a scenario where firms refraining from CG benefit from the contributions of others. This study aims to provide a theoretical framework to elucidate the existence of this intriguing phenomenon and its critical implications for the hospitality industry. By addressing the free rider problem in hospitality CG, this research makes a significant contribution to the theoretical development in the hospitality CG literature and offers valuable insights for both scholars and practitioners in understanding and managing CG practices in the hospitality sector.

Why do Indonesian Muslims Donate through Crowdfunding Platforms? An Integration of UTAUT, Transparency, and Trust

Indonesia's recognition as the most charitable country in the world makes research on donations through crowdfunding platforms an intriguing subject for study. The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of technology and institutions factors on people's intentions to donate through the crowdfunding platform. This study employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with a sample size of 155 questionnaires. The results indicate that components of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, and social influence) and institutional factors (trust and transparency) have a significant positive influence on people's intentions to donate through the platform kitabisa.com. These findings imply the importance of developing new technologies for philanthropic organizations and increasing public intention to donate, especially through donation crowdfunding. This research also contributes theoretically to the development of the UTAUT model by integrating trust and transparency.

A perspective on the Center for Open Science (COS) preprint servers

Preprints, which are non-peer-reviewed documents that are typically precursors of peer-reviewed papers, or as open access archival forms of published papers (post-prints), are increasingly becoming part of the publishing open access culture. Preprints have been lauded as a rapid form of publication, but for them to be useful and reliable sources of information, they and information pertaining to them (e.g., bibliometric indicators) need to be effectively managed by the servers where they are hosted. In recent years, a number of new preprint servers have emerged. One type of preprint server is owned by publishers, while another is ownership or financial support by philanthropic organizations This paper focuses on one case of the latter type. In 2016, the Virginia, US-based, philanthropically-funded Center for Open Science (COS) launched three preprint services (engrXiv, PsyArXiv, SocArXiv) and started Open Science Framework (OSF) Preprints in 2017. The latter was used as a “template” service to attract thematically-linked communities of academics that also wished to have their own preprint servers. In June 2024, COS listed 29 preprint servers, although 14 of them have ceased publication or hosting of preprints by COS / OSF. One reason may be due to the commercialization of the COS / OSF “template” service, which charges preprint managers an annual fee based on the volume of preprints published annually. In the light of the 14 preprint servers that are no longer hosted at or by COS / OSF, this paper briefly discusses the financial sustainability and information stability of preprint servers, which mostly allow authors to publish preprints for free. Authors’ preprints are usually screened by fairly superficial screening and moderation processes, and it is not unusual to find opaquely or “silently” deleted preprints from preprint servers, including those of COS/OSF. Given that this organization is a well-funded leader of the open science movement, greater transparency is required regarding its own funding, operations, and management, as well as a more frank and an open debate regarding the ethical limitations associated with preprints.

The synchronic and diachronic evolution of key themes around SDG 4 before and after 2015: From a quantitative analysis of web-downloaded texts

The authoritative ideas of what education should be like under the fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4) are constructed through discourse among key actors of the “international education community” at large. This article presents the evolution of international education discourse, comparing the periods before and after September 2015. The analysis is presented in two parts. The first part discusses the period before the adoption of SDGs in 2015, during which the agenda was formulated through discourse. The author identifies themes such as cognitive and noncognitive skills, learning outcomes, measurement and indicators. Actors shaping the discourse included mission-driven civil society organisations (CSOs), constituency-based CSOs, technical specialist groups, UN Member States and philanthropic organisations. The second part is based on a large sample text mining using 832 web-downloaded texts published between 2015 and 2022. The list of key themes largely mirrors those identified in the first part, although the relative weight among them has changed over time. The emphasis has shifted from global, structural topics to more local, specific ones, with increased attention on individual learners and their skills and knowledge. It suggests the uprooted nature of global governance, particularly at the time of SDG adoption. The fact that the term “SDGs” has permeated to the household level reflects widening participation in the global discourse on education. The author observes two contrasting perspectives: one discusses education’s contributions to noneducational goals, such as employment, economic growth, achieving sustainability or guaranteeing basic human rights; while another represents traditional educationalism, which tends to equate schooling with the traditional classifications of primary, secondary and higher education.

Development and Improvement of Celebrity Foundations in China

As a form of contemporary philanthropic organizations, celebrity foundations have emerged as a new entity in the field of social charity. Supported by the personal identity and influence of celebrities, the development of celebrity foundations is significantly influenced by their fame and impact. Compared to traditional foundations, celebrity foundations possess broader influence and quicker fundraising capabilities. However, Chinese celebrity foundations also encounter challenges during operation, such as excessive reliance on celebrity effects, insufficient management capabilities, lack of transparency, and insufficient specialization. In response to these challenges, celebrity foundations should improve in the following aspects: firstly, celebrity foundations should moderately separate from celebrities and establish their own brand and credibility. Secondly, internal governance structures need further enhancement, with increased supervision and standardization of fund utilization and project management, as well as collaboration with professional teams to provide more specialized support for celebrity foundations. Lastly, talent recruitment and cultivation should be emphasized to establish a specialized team belonging to the foundations brand, thus enhancing the foundations management level and operational efficiency.

Development and Improvement of Celebrity Foundations in China

As a form of contemporary philanthropic organizations, celebrity foundations have emerged as a new entity in the field of social charity. Supported by the personal identity and influence of celebrities, the development of celebrity foundations is significantly influenced by their fame and impact. Compared to traditional foundations, celebrity foundations possess broader influence and quicker fundraising capabilities. However, Chinese celebrity foundations also encounter challenges during operation, such as excessive reliance on celebrity effects, insufficient management capabilities, lack of transparency, and insufficient specialization. In response to these challenges, celebrity foundations should improve in the following aspects: firstly, celebrity foundations should moderately separate from celebrities and establish their own brand and credibility. Secondly, internal governance structures need further enhancement, with increased supervision and standardization of fund utilization and project management, as well as collaboration with professional teams to provide more specialized support for celebrity foundations. Lastly, talent recruitment and cultivation should be emphasized to establish a specialized team belonging to the foundations brand, thus enhancing the foundations management level and operational efficiency.

Orthopedic Research Funding: Assessing the Relationship between Investments and Breakthroughs.

Orthopedic research plays a crucial role in improving patient outcomes for musculoskeletal disorders. This narrative review explores the intricate interplay between funding patterns and the trajectory of breakthroughs achieved in this dynamic field. A meticulous search strategy identified studies illuminating the diverse sources of orthopedic research funding, including public funding (government agencies), philanthropic organizations, private sector investment, and international funding bodies. The review further delved into the spectrum of breakthroughs, encompassing fundamental scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and personalized medicine approaches. Public funding emerged as a significant pillar, supporting foundational research that lays the groundwork for future advancements. Philanthropic organizations addressed specific musculoskeletal disorders, often focusing on patient-centric applications. International funding bodies played a role in supporting research in low- and middle-income countries. Breakthroughs extended beyond cutting-edge prosthetics and minimally invasive surgeries, encompassing fundamental discoveries in areas like gene therapy and biomaterials science. Technological advancements included brain-computer interface prosthetics and 3D-printed implants. Personalized medicine offered the potential for tailored treatments based on individual needs and genetic profiles. This review underscores the complex interplay between funding patterns and breakthroughs in orthopedic research. A multifaceted approach is essential for continued progress. Fostering collaboration, optimizing funding models, and prioritizing both foundational and translational research hold the key to unlocking the true potential of orthopedic research and transforming the lives of patients suffering from musculoskeletal disorders.

From Digital Philanthropy to Sustainable Empowerment: Dompet Dhuafa Riau’s Mechanisms in Fundraising and Trust Building

Dompet Dhuafa Riau’s transition to digital philanthropic management has significantly increased voluntary donations, addressing the concerns of digital philanthropy scholars about the impact of technology on philanthropic interactions. This research aims to uncover the practical mechanisms employed by Dompet Dhuafa Riau in transforming into a digital media-utilizing philanthropic institution. Using a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach, the study reveals a well-established transition pattern that integrates elements of traditional philanthropy into digital activities. Digital media serves as a tool to facilitate voluntary donations from donors, effectively addressing trust issues commonly associated with transitioning to online platforms by ensuring fund allocation emphasizes sustainability. Service, mentoring, and training mechanisms further enhance Dompet Dhuafa Riau’s credibility as a reliable philanthropic institution, strengthening donor confidence and encouraging continued donations. This shift demonstrates that incorporating media into the management of philanthropic organizations creates a complex relationship between philanthropic institutions and the public, mediated by the unique dynamics of digital platforms.

Leveraging computational methods for nonprofit social media research: a systematic review and methodological framework

While social media platforms are valuable for examining the online engagement of nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, the research considerations underlying social media data remain opaque to most. Through a systematic review of nonprofit studies that analyze social media data, I propose a methodological framework incorporating three common data types: text, engagement and network data. The review reveals that most existing studies rely heavily on manual coding to analyze relatively small datasets of social media messages, thereby missing out on the automation and scalability offered by advanced computational methods. To address this gap, I demonstrate the application of supervised machine learning to train, predict, and analyze a substantial dataset consisting of 66,749 social media messages posted by community foundations on Twitter/X. This study underscores the benefits of combining manual content analysis with automated approaches and calls for future research to explore the potential of generative AI in advancing nonprofit social media research.

Financial toxicity screening preferences in patients with breast cancer.

e23132 Background: Financial toxicity is an important issue for cancer patients that affects quality of life and treatment adherence. Screening can help identify patients at risk but consensus on appropriate timing or methods for screening is lacking. We conducted a survey to assess preferences for financial toxicity screening among a cohort of cancer patients. Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional survey was sent to email newsletter subscribers of a breast cancer-specific philanthropic organization with a nationwide reach in July 2023. Participants were asked about financial toxicity screening preferences; all questions were optional. Frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were calculated for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Comparative analyses, including chi-square and t-tests, were used to identify differences across demographic groups. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05. Results: Of 5774 potential participants who clicked on the email link, 825 respondents with confirmed prior or current cancer diagnosis participated in the survey (14.3% response rate). These participants were 84% female (n = 690) with a median age of 50 years (IQR 44-57), were 51% non-Hispanic White (n = 418), 18% Black or African-American (n = 149), 8.2% Hispanic (n = 68). 84% confirmed a breast cancer (n = 689), and 53% were currently undergoing treatment (n = 441). Most participants were not asked about financial stressors by their care team (52%, n = 429) and most did not receive assistance from their care team (61%, n = 501). Most preferred for their providers to reach out to them regarding financial needs (75%, n = 615). Most wished for these discussions to take place early on in their treatment course (when first diagnosed [40%, n = 334] or when treatment course was selected [33%, n = 275]), and for these questions to be asked frequently (each appointment [38%, n = 312] or once per month [32%, n = 268]). Participants felt most comfortable discussing financial needs with a social worker or patient/financial navigator (82%, n = 679). Most wished to discuss financial concerns in person (67%, n = 553) or via telephone (58%, n = 479). Conclusions: Patients with cancer desire financial screening to occur early, often, and to be initiated by their providers. Patient preferences can guide optimal implementation of financial toxicity screening practices. Continued work refining best practices for financial toxicity screening should incorporate these patient preferences.

Public-private partnerships in health sector innovation: Lessons from around the world

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a crucial mechanism for fostering innovation in the health sector globally. This review encapsulates the lessons learned from diverse PPP models worldwide, highlighting their significance and impact. PPPs in healthcare innovation entail collaboration between governmental bodies, private enterprises, and sometimes non-profit organizations to address challenges, such as limited resources, expertise, and infrastructure, while leveraging the strengths of each sector. The success of PPPs relies on effective governance structures, clear objectives, and mutual accountability. One notable example is the United Kingdom's NHS Innovation Accelerator, which partners with industry leaders to fast-track the adoption of innovative healthcare technologies within the National Health Service (NHS). Through this initiative, pioneering solutions, ranging from digital health platforms to medical devices, have been implemented, enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. Similarly, in low-resource settings like sub-Saharan Africa, PPPs have played a pivotal role in improving access to essential healthcare services. Projects such as the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) collaborate with pharmaceutical companies, governments, and research institutions to develop affordable antimalarial drugs tailored to the region's needs. In the realm of medical research and development, partnerships like the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) have demonstrated the power of international collaboration in addressing global health threats. CEPI brings together governments, philanthropic organizations, and the private sector to expedite the development of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases, as witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, challenges persist in PPP implementation, including complex regulatory frameworks, funding uncertainties, and divergent interests among stakeholders. Lessons from successful PPPs underscore the importance of transparent communication, stakeholder engagement, and sustained political commitment. In conclusion, PPPs in the health sector represent a dynamic avenue for catalyzing innovation and driving transformative change. By drawing insights from diverse experiences worldwide, policymakers and practitioners can refine existing frameworks and foster sustainable partnerships to tackle evolving health challenges effectively.

Philanthropy, the 2030 Agenda and UN Diplomacy

Abstract An increasing number of philanthropic organizations (inter alias, POs) are contributing to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its 17 SDGs and are involved with the multi-stakeholder process at the UN and other international Organisations. POs’ interest in participating in the SDG process has over the years increased due to the multiple crises that the world has to face caused by pandemics, war, food insecurity, poverty, and climate change. The interventions of POs are in general greatly appreciated but also questioned by some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) who have some reservations about the intentions of POs. Within the family of UN agencies, several International Organizations (IOs) welcome POs and provide mechanisms of engagement (UN, UNDESA, UNDP, WHO). Some POs are taking part in the implementation of the SDGs and the related UN processes and are creating intermediary actors or organizations and platforms for greater scale and impact. Some POs are interested in creating a joint representation at the UN in the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). This new development is the subject matter of this short commentary.

The evolution of the Wellcome Trust and market-based philanthropy in the UK

In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century the industrial wealth of super-rich entrepreneurs in the United States produced a systematised philanthropy, seeking to address the fundamental causes of societal problems. These entrepreneurs created a new institution, the philanthropic foundation, to achieve their objectives, and influence and change social structures. Building on explanations of these philanthropic ventures as manifestations of entrepreneurial philanthropy, this paper examines the emergence and evolution of the Wellcome Trust. Created in 1936, the Wellcome Trust was funded from the profits of a pharmaceutical multinational, in which the Trustees held the entire share capital. Based on archival research, we examine the development of a market-based philanthropy, whereby successive generations of trustees managed the competing priorities of a multinational enterprise and a philanthropic organisation. In so doing this research offers a new understanding of entrepreneurial philanthropy’s scope: focused on the activities of trustees, rather than the founding entrepreneur.