Strategic Philanthropy

People interpret and go about philanthropy in different ways. In their essay “The Four Traditions of Philanthropy“*, authors Elizabeth Lynn and Susan Wisely outline a framework with four traditions of giving: Relief, Improvement, Social Reform and Civic Engagement.

• Philanthropy as Relief – Philanthropy understood as relief operates on the principle of compassion and seeks to alleviate human suffering, i.e. “Feed the hungry.”)
• Philanthropy as Improvement – Philanthropy understood as improvement operates on the principle of progress and seeks to maximize individual human potential (i.e. “Teach the hungry to fish.”)
• Philanthropy as Social Reform – Philanthropy understood as reform operates on the principle of justice and seeks to solve social problems (i.e. “Attack the causes of hunger”.)
• Philanthropy as Civic Engagement – Philanthropy understood as civic engagement operates on the principle of participation and seeks to foster community (i.e. “Why does this community tolerate hunger?)
• WGA circulates a “Four Traditions” handout to stimulate discussion and help Members understand how these traditions come together in different programs, services and organizations throughout Northeast Florida.

* Source: Davis, Adam, and Lynn, Elizabeth, Editors. The Civically Engaged Reader. Chicago: The Great Books Foundation, 2006

Different circumstances may call for different approaches to philanthropy. Depending on the problem you’re trying to solve, the results you wish to achieve and your internal capacity, individuals and organizations may focus on one of three types of philanthropy: Traditional, Venture or Catalytic. WGA employs all of these approaches in our grantmaking.

• Traditional Philanthropy is responsive. Funders assume a relatively passive role, making short-term commitments to grantees so they may implement programs and services. Traditional philanthropy plays an important role in supporting and sustaining nonprofits and the work that they do.
• Venture Philanthropy is viewed as an “investment”. It tends to be more proactive, with funders looking for social returns on investments in capacity building, organizational effectiveness or evaluation. Venture philanthropy pushes organizations in new directions and holds them accountable for results in more rigorous ways.
• Catalytic Philanthropy begins with the problem, the challenge or the issue. The catalytic philanthropist asks, “Why does this condition exist? What needs to happen to change it? Who needs to be involved?” Catalytic philanthropy is, by definition, proactive. It frequently requires cross-sector collaboration, and investments tend to be longer term (e.g. research that leads to action, alliance building or fostering public will). Success is measured by steady achievement of interim goals toward long-term gains. Catalytic philanthropy is critical if communities are to tackle large-scale challenges – challenges that a single program or single organization are not equipped to address.

Donating money is not the only type of philanthropy; there are many ways to give. Ambassador James J. Joseph of the Council On Foundations, describes five types of capital that each of us can use to serve a public good:

• Social – Networks of people
• Moral – Political independence
• Intellectual – Knowledge and data
• Reputational – Ability to influence
• Financial – Money

Interested in learning more? Browse our resources below or join us as a Member.

Organizations In Northeast Florida

• The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, with whom we are proud to partner, has helped connect donors to nonprofit organizations in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties for more than 50 years.
• The Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida connects, strengthens and advocates for local nonprofits, offering consulting, training and resources.

National & Global Women’s Giving Organizations

• Philanos is a network of women’s collective giving grantmakers, representing more than 80 collective giving grantmaking groups in the United States, Australia, and England with more than 18,000 women. Since 1995, the organizations in Philanos have awarded more than $176 million into their respective communities.
• Women Moving Millions is an organization of women who have made gifts and pledges of $1 million or more to organizations or initiatives promoting the advancement and empowerment of women and girls.

Research & Ratings

• Institute for Women’s Policy Research conducts rigorous research and shares findings to address women’s needs, promote public dialog and strengthen families, communities and societies.
• Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University is the world’s first school dedicated to the study and teaching of philanthropy. The school helps to deepen understanding of how, when and why gender matters in charitable giving and volunteering.
• The Bridgespan Group is a nonprofit adviser and resource for mission-driven organizations and philanthropists.
• Charity Navigator is an independent charity evaluator that provides free ratings of the financial health, accountability and transparency of thousands of nonprofits.

Publications

• The Chronicle of Philanthropy serves nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, grant makers and others involved in the philanthropic enterprise with news, advice, resources and career listings.
• Stanford Social Innovation Review informs and inspires millions of social change leaders at nonprofits, businesses and governments around the world.
• Women & Philanthropy: Boldly Shaping A Better World is a wonderful book by Sondra Shaw-Hardy and Martha A. Taylor.