Is Elon Musk right that “empathy is the fundamental weakness of western civilization?”
28th March 2025
We explore Elon Musk’s recent claim that “empathy is the fundamental weakness of Western civilisation” – what does it mean, where does it come from, and is there is any truth in it?
Philanthropy Masterminds
Rhodri joins host Jay Frost for an edition of the DonorSearch Philanthropy Masterminds podcast.
The Future of Philanthropy with Rhodri Davies
Rhodri talks to Philanthropy Masterminds host Jay Frost about the past, present and future of philanthropy.
A Good Game: Sport, Philanthropy & Activism
2nd July 2024
What is the relationship between philanthropy and sport? Are athletes and sports teams primarily recipients of philanthropy, are they potential donors, or are they powerful activists?
New Books in Law podcast
Rhodri Davies joins New Books in Law podcast host Nick Pozek to discuss his 2023 book “What is Philanthropy For?”
Why Isn’t All Philanthropy Trust-Based Philanthropy?
13th June 2024
We explore why “trust-based philanthropy” has gained ground as an idea, what it is framed as an alternative to, and why there is still a gap between rhetoric and practice.
Anelise Hanson Shrout: The Great Irish Famine and the origins of transnational philanthropy
Are Funders Changemakers Too?
Rhodri Davies offers some thoughts in a guest blog for the new Charity Hall of Fame on whether we should view funders as changemakers, in addition to those they fund.
The End of Charity: Episode 1
Rhodri Davies appears as a guest expert in this new 6-part documentary podcast series from Third Sector.
Read the transcript HERE.
Transformative Philanthropy
Watch a recording of the launch event for Fozia Irfan’s “Transformative Philanthropy” report, including thoughts from WPM Director Rhodri Davies on the history of social justice philanthropy in the UK.
The History of Social Justice Philanthropy in the UK
7th February 2024
To mark the publication of Fozia Irfan’s report Transformative Philanthropy: A Manual for Social Change, we take a look at the history of philanthropy aimed at social justice in the UK.
What’s 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’s 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.
