Giving Thought
In this episode we talk to Sharna Goldseker and Michael Moody about their book Generation Impact: How Next Gen Donors are Revolutionizing Giving, which is now available in an updated and expanded 2nd edition
info_outline Philanthropy, Domestic Violence & Partnering with the Public Sector, with Stelio StefanouGiving Thought
In this episode we talk to Stelio Stefanou OBE, philanthropist and Founder of the For Baby’s Sake Trust (FBST) - a charity which focuses on working with parents to address the impact of domestic violence on the early years development of children.
info_outline Modern Grantmaking, with Gemma Bull & Tom SteinbergGiving Thought
In this episode Rhod sat down with Gemma Bull and Tom Steinberg, authors of new book "Modern Grantmaking: A Guide for Funders Who Believe Better is Possible"
info_outline Philanthropy, Racial Justice & Funding Grassroots Organizing, with Lori BezahlerGiving Thought
In this episode we're joined by Lori Bezhaler, President of the Edward W. Hazen Foundation, to discuss the role of philanthropy in supporting racial justice and funding grassroots organizing or social movements.
info_outline Poverty, Participation & The Pandemic, with Jo Kerr & Sonya RuparelGiving Thought
In this episode we talk to Jo Kerr and Sonya Ruparel, from UK charity Turn2Us, about poverty, participation and the impact of the pandemic.
info_outline Participatory grantmaking, with Meg Massey & Hannah PatersonGiving Thought
In this episode we talk participatory approaches in philanthropy and social investment, with Meg Massey, co-author of “Letting Go: How Philanthropists and Impact Investors Can Do More Good by Giving Up Control” and Hannah Paterson, Senior Portfolio Manager at the National Lottery Community Fund.
info_outline Silicon Valley, Billionaires & Philanthropy, with Teddy SchleiferGiving Thought
On this episode we talk to Teddy Schleifer, Senior Reporter, Money & Influence at Recode (part of the Vox Media group), about billionaires, Silicon Valley and philanthropy.
info_outline Philanthropy in Brazil during the pandemic, with Denis MizneGiving Thought
In this episode we talk to Denis Mizne, CEO of Lemann Foundation - Brazil’s largest educational funder – about philanthropy in Brazil during the Covid-19 pandemic and the Lemann Foundation’s pivot to supporting vaccine trials in the country
info_outline Why Civil Society Matters More Than Ever, with Andy Haldane (and Neil Heslop)Giving Thought
In this episode we talk to Andy Haldane, Chief Economist of the Bank of England about his long-standing interest in civil society, why he thinks it is so important yet undervalued, and what sort of challenges and opportunities the coming years may bring. We also have some analysis and additional insight from CAF CEO Neil Heslop.
info_outline Technology, Philanthropy & Civil Society, with Nanjira SambuliGiving Thought
In this episode we talk to Nanjira Sambuli about technology, philanthropy and civil society. Nanjira is a researcher, policy analyst and advocacy strategist based in Nairobi, Kenya and we had a fascinating and wide-ranging discussion about the intersection of tech and civil society.
info_outlineIn episode 38 we talk to Professor Rob Reich from Stanford University about his new book, Just Giving: Why Philanthropy is Failing Democracy and How it Can Do Better and about his wider work exploring the political philosophy of philanthropy.
In a wide-ranging conversation, we cover:
-What motivated him to write the book?
-Why has philanthropy been largely ignored as a subject of study by political philosophers and political theorists over the years?
-Does he see his book as part of a growing trend of criticism of elite philanthropy at the moment?
-Why does philanthropy potentially subvert democracy?
-Is elite philanthropy a plutocratic exercise of power? And can this ever be justified?
-Does mass market philanthropy represent a powerful means of decentralising power and choice about public goods? Or is this always undermined by the disproportionate influence of those with large amounts to give?
-Do tax breaks for philanthropy exacerbate inequality? How could we structure them differently?
-How should we understand the role of foundations?
-If one of the key benefits of foundation philanthropy is innovation and 'discovery', how do we ensure this is at the heart of what they do?
-Why are endowed structures that exist in perpetuity a particular problem?
-What has been the response from policymakers, philanthropists and foundation leaders to his arguments? And what would ideally like them to do?
Related content
- Rob's new book Just Giving: Why Philanthropy is Failing Democracy and How it Can Do Better
- Reich, Cordelli & Bernholz (2016) Philanthropy in Democratic Societies: History, Institutions, Values
- Rob's profile page at Stanford
- My book
- My blog "Philanthropy: Anti-Democratic and Proud of it?"