In this episode of the Philanthropisms podcast, we consider the rise of political populism across the world, the impact this is having on philanthropy and civil society, and what the response might be.
Including:
- What are the key features of populist politics?
- Has philanthropy played a role in creating the current populist moment?
- How are funders and NGOs in the US responding to populist attacks on their legitimacy? Are these challenges set to intensify?
- Can and should philanthropic funders step in to cover gaps left by government withdrawal?
- Should funders and nonprofits vocally stand up for principles of social justice, DEI and climate concern in the face of political pressure, or take a pragmatic decision to keep quiet but continue their work?
- Is it possible to maintain civil society pluralism in the face of political populism?
- Where do populist and progressive critiques of philanthropy overlap?
- How should funders and charities in the UK respond to right-wing populism and the rise of Reform?
- Can civil society organsiations create spaces that bring polarised communities together?
- What lessons should funders and nonprofits be taking from populist attacks, without simply lending further weight to them?
Further Resources
- Chronicle of Philanthropy 17 Sept 2025, “100-Plus Foundations Stand United as White House Goes on the Attack“
- Michael Hartmann & William Schambra’s 2025 HistPhil article, “The New Populist Conservatism and Civil Society“
- David Callahan’s Inside Philanthropy piece “Philanthropy’s Identity Focus Strengthens the Right. Is There Another Way?“, and Tynesha McHarris’s response, “Retreating on Identity Will Not Unify Us”
- Report on the rise of anti-rights funding across Europe
- Ted Lechterman’s 2017 piece “Is Populist Criticism of Philanthropy Justified?“
- Kristin Goss (2007) “Foundations of Feminism: How philanthropic patrons shaped gender politics“
- WPM article on “Philanthropy at a time of chaos“
- Philanthropisms episode on pluralism, and interviews with Daniel Stid, Farai Chideya and Elizabeth Barajas-Román.
