Bleak prognosis for Indian civil society following new foreign funding bill

The Government of India passed the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2020 on 23 September, less than 72 hours after it was tabled without any prior consultation, taking both civil society in India and the international donor community by surprise. The President gave his assent on 28 September, despite nationwide outcry from civil society and condemnation from the…

Social movements in times of pandemic: the moment for philanthropy has arrived

By Romy Krämer, Graciela Hopstein and Halima Mahomed The global Corona pandemic might very well be the biggest crisis of our lifetime. The current situation has the potential to not only disrupt the status quo but to change our social, economic and political systems forever. It demands us to suspend great plans, focus on being present and think…

Ordem e progresso and generosity? Brazilian philanthropy in a nutshell

The report Philanthropy in Brazil notes that Brazilian philanthropy is generally punching below its weight especially on matters of social justice and human rights. With President Jair Bolsonaro threatening not only some of the gains Brazil has made in securing the rights of marginalised groups but also the capacities of civil space in Brazil, what does…

Funding African movements? Philanthropic revolutions needed first.

‘New configurations of civic-led movements are playing an instrumental role in challenging political, social and economic abuses of power, at great personal risk. At the same time the organized and professionalised civil society spaces which are typically supported by philanthropy are losing momentum, relevance and connectivity to those whose interests they are meant to be…

Wealth and philanthropy in Russia

The Philanthropy in Russia published earlier this year by PSJP, CAF Russia, WINGS and Alliance report notes a dearth of foundations or individuals willing to support progressive causes in Russia. ‘Progressive causes are more likely to be supported where money is raised from the public’ says Maria Chertok of CAF Russia. This post on Alliance by Elisabeth…

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…

Transformative…but for good or ill? Corporate philanthropy in India in the era of mandatory CSR

Andrew Milner examines the scale, impact, limitations, and pitfalls of Indian corporate philanthropy five years since the introduction of mandatory CSR contributions. Over the last five years, Indian corporate philanthropy has been transformed by the introduction of mandatory CSR contributions for companies over a certain size, so much so that, to all intents and purposes,…

Puja Marwaha accepts the 5th Olga Alexeeva Memorial Prize at WINGS Funders Meeting

Puja Marwaha of CRY (Child Rights and You) was announced as the 5th winner of the Olga Alexeeva Memorial Prize at the WINGS International Meeting for Funders in Barcelona, 26–27 March.Also nominated for the prize this year include: Frederick Mulder, The Funding Network Florencia Roitstein, Ellas: Women & Philanthropy Henry Timms & Asha Curran, 92Y…

Philanthropy in the Arab Region – reflections from the UAE

By Natasha Ridge A new report from Philanthropy and Social Justice and Peace entitled Philanthropy in the Arab Region makes a valuable contribution to understanding philanthropic efforts across the Middle East through highlighting both the excellent work that is going on in the region as well as drawing our attention to the challenges facing the nascent sector. The report,…

Arab philanthropy moves from charity to development, new reports finds

Philanthropy’s role in the Arab region is shifting from a more traditional religious and charitable paradigm to one of secular development. That’s a central finding of a new working paper published today by the Philanthropy for Social Justice and Peace (PSJP) network in association with Alliance, Arab Foundations Forum, John D Gerhart Center for Philanthropy, King Khalid Foundation, Philanthropy Age,…