Kelsey Picken, PhD, CFRE, CSPG’s Post

🌟 Strengthening the Philanthropy Ecosystem 🌟 Why is fostering collaboration and capacity building crucial for impactful change in the South African education sector? In this article, Gail Campbell and Ruth Rakosa from the Zenex Foundation provide insights on how their strategic initiatives are shaping the philanthropy ecosystem, fostering collaboration, and driving real impact. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/d2ndSFc8. #Philanthropy #IPASA #EducationImpact #CollaborativeChange

It is intriguing to remember that historically, philanthropy emerged as a crucial response to the severe poverty and social inequities that were rampant during England's industrial revolution, a period marked by dramatic economic and societal shifts. Today, systemic social and environmental challenges remain at the heart of philanthropic endeavours. But philanthropy is now experiencing a transformative phase, influenced by an array of societal, economic, and environmental factors. Several emerging trends are not only shaping what we mean by "philanthropy" today, but also reflect the complexities that philanthropy has come to encompass in a modern context. In this recent article, we identify seven of these trends that are critical to shaping the future of philanthropy. Which one is the most significant in your work? Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/d3gy4TJa #Philanthropy #PhilanthropyTrends #Giving

The Doing Good Index is the product of the combined efforts of the CAPS team and our partners across #Asia. Hear what some of them have to say about being part of it and how the report and its findings strengthen the social sector in Asia.   Download the Doing Good Index 2024 here: https://lnkd.in/ggqbDTq3  Compare the data across 17 economies  on our microsite: https://lnkd.in/gsfN7Jd #doinggoodindex2024 #socialsector #philanthropy 

These are interesting reflections on the future of philanthropy. Traditional corporate social responsibility is no longer the preferred vehicle of the private sector to catalyze social impact or create public goods. And this has been the case for a while. We are now witnessing how corporate actors are more strategically focused on fewer causes with greater impact potential, framing their engagements within the realm of their environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) standards.

From my experience in working with governments, philanthropists, NGOs and the private sector, I have observed that a common mistake philantropists and others make, is to view a problem through a narrow lens, find a solution and then try to take the solution to scale for impact. In reality, we need to rather focus on building a supportive network for communities by ensuring inclusivity at every level and build the agency of people through the process together. This drives a congruency of purpose towards the systems change we need. See the Community Ownership model I have proposed and most often use in my work - just published by NORRAG.

After 25 years of consulting with hundreds of philanthropists about their various foundations, I’ve learned a thing or two about what I call Delusional Altruism. In fact, I learned so much that I wrote a whole book about it and how to avoid it. I provide real-world advice and practical guidance to help philanthropists avoid common delusional thoughts and practices that drastically hinder them from achieving transformational social change. If this intrigues you and you want to learn more, message me for the link to my book! #DelusionalAltruism #ImpactInvesting #Philanthropy

IMAGINE ... there was an easier way to get the support you need to make the change that you see is so critically needed. There is. At Benefolk, we believe that when changemakers are empowered with the tools and support they need, they can make a lasting impact and still thrive. Find out more at www.benefolk.org. #NFP #philanthropy #socialsector #forpurpose #benefolk #ReimaginingResilience

If we want governments to care more, and citizens ask for better; which effort would work best? Like water, civil societies intuitively take the shape of the gap and fill it. Each choice is nuanced based on the context, the people, culture and existing power structures. Thinking of engagement with the govt as a spectrum gives so much vocabulary and reason, and less shame. This can be powerful. Thanks, Gautam!

"Philanthropy is often motivated by semblances of solidarity — concepts such as charity, benevolence, and altruism. These ideas differ from solidarity in that they focus on the intention of the giver, who is over and above the recipient. Philanthropy-in-solidarity imagines donors as interconnected with their grantee partners. For example, in a world where the climate is changing fast, I as a donor benefit from organizations that are fighting for a livable planet. And while racism remains endemic, and where bigotry undermines social cohesion and erodes public goods, I as a white person benefit from anti-racist activism because it helps create a more equitable world. Recognizing one’s own self-interest in this sense is not selfish — it’s leveling and equalizing because it places the donor and grantee on an even field as partners in a shared struggle." #philanthropy #Fridayinspiration #fundraising #solidarity #businessdevelopment

What is your idea about Philanthropy? Is there a nexus between philanthropy, economic growth, business transformation and social change? Let's unpack these connections as it relate to improving lives, empowering communities and transforming systems. #Sociocapital #PWPAfrica, #Philanthropy, #TransformativeDevelopmentSolutions