In An Ideal World, Would There Be No Philanthropy?
14th July 2023
We explore the idea that “in an ideal world there would be no philanthropy”: why does it have such deep roots, how should we understand it, and is it right?
What is Philanthropy For? (Speech to Yorkshire Funders 2023 Conference)
23rd June 2023
This is the text of a keynote speech Rhodri Davies gave at the 2023 Yorkshire Funders Conference in Leeds, outlining some of the key questions about the nature and role of philanthropy and why there is a particular need to engage with them right now.
GUEST ARTICLE: Solidarity NOT Charity – What it means to be a funder in solidarity with immigrant communities
22nd May 2023
In this article Lorena Gonzalez and Jes Olvera from the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights highlight some of the key challenges they have faced in their work trying to give voice to children from minoritsed communities (whose voices have often been little-heard) and explore why this dictates taking a justice-centered approach to philanthropy; which asks funders to think in terms of solidarity, rather than charity.
Giving More & More Equitably: Reflections on the Gates Foundation’s Greater Giving Summit 2023
10th May 2023
Rhodri reflects on the key insights and topics of discussion at the recent Greater Giving Summit 2023, hosted by the Gates Foundation in Seattle.
Good For Ratings? MrBeast & Philanthropy in the Attention Economy
6th February 2023
Hugely successful YouTuber MrBeast has become well known for his model of on-screen “Beast Philanthropy”. We take a look at what it is, why it has become controversial & what we should make of it.
Lost in the Crowd: Philanthropy, Population Debates & The Shadow of Eugenics
19th January 2023
As debate grows over whether we should be more concerned about over-population or declining birth rates, we explore why philanthropy has such a problematic history when it comes to engaging with population issues, and what lessons this holds for modern-day donors and non-profits.
If You Were a Philanthropist, What Would You Do?
18th November 2022
If you had the resources to be a philanthropist, how would you go about it? We explore some of the key choices and issues.
Politically Correct? Charities, Campaigning & Politics
13th October 2022
Why does the relationship between charities and politics in the UK continue to cause so much debate? What benefits does charity campaigning bring, and what risks does it pose? And are the rules governing this area fit for purpose, or do we need a radical rethink?
The Business of Philanthropy: Patagonia and nonprofit corporate ownership
16th September 2022
Yvon Chouinard’s decision to hand ownership of outdoor fashion company Patagonia to two newly-created nonprofit entities has made headlines around the world. We explore the precedents for his approach and what they might tell us about the questions we should be asking.
Why am I not an Effective Altruist?
17 August 2022
We explore why, despite there being plenty to admire about Effective Altruism, many are still uneasy about the movement’s ideas and influence.
What Does the Blackbaud/NRA Controversy Mean For Nonprofits?
29th June 2022
Following concerns about links between social good tech provider Blackbaud and the NRA, we assess how this fits into wider debates about “tainted” money and the ethics of tech platforms.
Cold as Charity: philanthropy and the notion of the “undeserving poor”
29th June 2022
As political controversy over food banks rages once more, we take a look at the deep historical connections between philanthropy and how we understand poverty.
