What is the point of philanthropic foundations? Part 3: current issues
14th November 2023
This is the third and final part of an essay mini-series exploring the nature and role of philanthropic foundations. Here we consider some of the key themes that have emerged throughout the long history of critique and criticisms of foundations, and how these might inform our understanding of current debates.
Does Philanthropy Make You a Good Person?
9th September 2023
We explore how and why philanthropy informs our judgements about other people’s moral worth.
Radical Philanthropy: Some thoughts on the recent New Yorker profile of Leah Hunt-Hendrix
17th August 2023
Rhodri Davies highlights a few thoughts prompted by the recent New Yorker magazine profile of philanthropist Leah Hunt-Hendrix.
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.
What should we do about tainted donations?
In the second of this series of short podcasts to mark the launch of his book “What is Philanthropy For?”, Rhodri Davies joins series Editor George Miller to discuss whether some donations are ‘tainted’ , and what ethical dilemmas this poses for charities.
Why Philanthropy Matters May 2023 Newsletter (#9)
You can read the ninth edition of our monthly newsletter below (from May 2023).
If you like what you read, subscribe HERE.
Is philanthropy charity’s more rational cousin?
In the second of this series of short podcasts to mark the launch of his book “What is Philanthropy For?”, Rhodri Davies joins series Editor George Miller to discuss the distinction between charity and philanthropy, how big money giving fits in with democracy, and what Effective Altruism is (and why it has been in trouble lately).
Why Philanthropy Matters April 2023 Newsletter (#8)
You can read the eighth edition of our monthly newsletter below (from April 2023).
If you like what you read, subscribe HERE.
Rhodri Davies talking to Impulse Stiften
A recording of a recent conversation Rhodri Davies had with Felix Dresewski for the Impulse Stiften group of German-speaking foundations.
Jeff Bezos wants the world to know he’s a philanthropist
Rhodri Davies is quoted in this article from Vox, which takes a deep dive into what we know about Jeff Bezos’s philanthropy.
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.
Crypto’s Credo: Effective Altruism After Sam Bankman-Fried
Rhodri Davies comments on the future prospects for EA in the wake of Sam Bankman-Fried’s downfall.
