Blog
Will Brazilian philanthropy leapfrog the ‘grantmaking phase’ and move directly to an impact investing model?
In conversation with a foundation director after a recent event on the philanthropy circuit in São Paulo, I mentioned the Brazilian philanthropy sector’s enthusiasm for the rising global trend in impact investing. The foundation director agreed, but reminded me that Brazilian philanthropy has yet to fully embrace the practice of grantmaking – and thus a…
Litigating for social change: what can funders learn from global experience?
By Steven McCaffery Strategic litigation can be a powerful tool for positive social change, but when is it the right investment for philanthropy? A new book draws on the international experience of successful campaigns and offers real-world lessons on avoiding the pitfalls. From policing in New York, to classroom conditions in post-apartheid South Africa, the push…
PSJP response: A step on the path to defining dignity
When it comes to the role of dignity in development, there is a conversation of growing rigour and seriousness. It is in that context that we welcome this paper on dignity in Philanthropy for Social Justice and Peace’s ‘Defining Key Concepts’ series. Dignity has been the starting point for many conversations in development and global…
The three giants – a parable…or possibly a conundrum
In a remote time and place – it might have been anywhere – there was a village. The villagers cultivated their fields, harvested their crops and suffered the usual pains and pleasures people do. Then one day, a giant came. ‘This village belongs to me now,’ said the giant. ‘You must pay tribute to me…
Resources
Dignity and Development
This paper looks at the idea of ‘dignity’ and forms part of PSJP’s series on ‘defining key concepts’ in development and philanthropy. The 1948 Declaration of Human Rights enshrined dignity as the central goal of development, yet the term is not clearly defined, which makes it difficult to pursue and impossible to measure. Different people…
Local agency and power in philanthropy and development
PSJP, the Ford Foundation Office for Southern Africa, and the Mott Foundation (South Africa) are exploring the themes of local agency and power in philanthropy and development through a series of conversations with practitioners in the field. We are sharing the convening reports from each of the conversations here in order to further engagement around…
Philanthropy in Brazil
This report on Brazilian philanthropy is part of a larger study by Philanthropy for Social Justice and Peace (PSJP), started in 2016, to review the current state of philanthropy in emerging economies and the role philanthropy is playing in the world today. It aims to throw light on current developments in, obstacles to, and possibilities for philanthropy in Brazil, especially highlighting innovations and new initiatives. The areas covered include various forms of giving by the wealthy, including corporate philanthropy, family foundations and impact investing, social justice philanthropy, community philanthropy, and giving by ordinary individuals.
Philanthropy in the Arab Region
This report on philanthropy in the Arab region is part of a larger study, started in 2016, to review the current state of philanthropy in emerging economies and the role philanthropy is playing in the world today. This is the third report from the study, which we hope will eventually form part of the Philanthropy…
News
The Dignity Project, a campaign for more respectful development
Is your program respectful? How, exactly, do you know that? Did you ask people? Development is frequently disrespectful. We all want to do better. But right now we don’t have the tools to do so. The Dignity Project creates open access, ready-translated tools to properly measure respect. There is public support for more respectful development.…
Learn about the Shine Campaign
The Shine Campaign is a unique global collaboration founded by philanthropy, faith, and development leaders, working together with the finance community to supply clean energy for the 1 billion people without access. Shine is dedicated to ending energy poverty and achieving universal clean energy access for all to realize Sustainable Development Goal 7. Clean and reliable…
Ignite Philanthropy is looking for a Program Associate
Ignite Philanthropy: Inspiring the End to Violence Against Girls and Boys is a pooled, collaborative donor fund whose founding members are Human Dignity Foundation, Oak Foundation, and Wellspring Philanthropic Fund. Ignite is looking for a Program Associate who will play a central role in ensuring efficient and effective use of this flexible funding mechanism.
International grassroots funder Thousand Currents is recruiting a new Executive Director
Thousand Currents is seeking a visionary, inspirational Executive Director to realize the strategic goals of the organization while reimagining traditional philanthropy. Thousand Currents ED Position Description Thousand Currents is a boldly unique 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to building an interconnected global community rooted in love, imagination and joy. Formerly IDEX, Thousand Currents has funded, connected, and…