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.
What is the point of philanthropic foundations? Part 2: historical perspective
14th November 2023
This is the second of a three-part essay mini-series exploring the nature and role of philanthropic foundations. In this part we trace the historical roots of the foundation idea.
What is the point of philanthropic foundations? Part 1: definitions
14th November 2023
This is the first of a three-part essay mini-series exploring the nature and role of philanthropic foundations. In this part we take a look at why defining what a foundation is presents such a challenge.
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?
Why Philanthropy Matters June 2023 Newsletter (#10)
You can read the tenth edition of our monthly newsletter below (from June 2023).
If you like what you read, subscribe HERE.
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.
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.
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.