A couple months ago, PhilanthroGeek founder Nathaniel James, ioby co-founder Erin Barnes, and I set out on a small adventure to answer two questions: How do we describe the new trends in social giving to the family philanthropy world? What do family foundations make of the opportunities and challenges in these trends? I’m describing some results of our adventure in this [...]
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Is Family Philanthropy Ready for “New Giving” Tools?
(updated from my post on the Council on Foundation's re: Philanthropy blog) "Crowdfunding. Social giving. Unsectored solutions. Hacker and maker cultures. Citizen-led social innovation. These ideas and others are shaping new pathways for giving. Will they complement your family’s philanthropy or distract from it? Join us for a fun, honest discussion of new frontiers in [...]
Are Philanthropists Doing It Wrong?
Last week, financial writer Felix Salmon published a blog post entitled "Philanthropy: You're doing it wrong." His post particularly takes to task the practices and behaviors he sees in wealthier donors. Though Salmon doesn't use the term, much of his column pushes back against donor "hyperagency." In The Modern Medici, Boston College professor Paul Schervish described hyperagency as "the [...]
Who Will Stand for All of Philanthropy?
What comes to mind when you hear the word philanthropy? Most of us know the Greek origin of the word suggests an altruistic love for mankind. Many of us were taught Robert Payton’s elegant definition: voluntary action for the public good. For philanthropoids, philanthropy consultants, and donors who want to keep up with the cool [...]
Tony Macklin 