Transformation on the agenda

To mark the publication of our special feature in the March 2023 issue, Alliance hosted an event on transforming philanthropy 

‘As a former leader of an implementation organisation I will only say, we need so much more of this kind of commitment to decentralised grantmaking and community engagement in investments!’
Anonymous 

‘I’m struck by the overlapping themes in the Trust Creates Impact initiative in Germany and the call from Catalyst 2030 on Shifting Funding Practices.’
Tim Draimin
Social Innovation Canada 

‘Is impact even relevant in a concept of redistributing wealth and giving reparations?’
Marcus Jenal
Foundation Botnar 

‘I am the first African to be hired outside the US since 1966 and I think it is a strong signal that foundations are ready to do the right thing.’
Diakhoumba Gassama
Hewlett Foundation 

‘One of the foundations I work with is exploring the way colonisation has impacted the issues it is trying to address. It has taken them seven years to get to this point. This is a very slow process.’
Gena Rotstein
Karma & Cents   

Find out more. To watch the event, go to: alliancemagazine.org/events 

Future of philanthropy in Asia

In partnership with the Asia Philanthropy Circle, Alliance brought together practitioners to discuss future scenarios for philanthropy in Asia drawing on the latest research 

‘It seems funders in Asia are giving to more conventional issues, and in the way they give for programmes but not core support. How can progressive philanthropists help shift this landscape?’
Judy Kan
HER Foundation 

‘It has been becoming increasingly difficult to fund in India, China and Vietnam. We are an environmental funder and would welcome stories and impressions from others about this issue.’
Anonymous 

‘How is the core funding “narrative” best told to Asian philanthropists to encourage such giving?’
Liz Ee

Uncomfortable with the market economy? Then put up or shut up…

In his latest article for Alliance, Simon Sommer, co-CEO of the Switzerland-based Jacobs Foundation, argues: ‘It’s virtue signalling for philanthropy executives to oppose a system for which they owe their very existence… if that’s our aim, we should probably not work for a foundation.’ 

Readers respond:  

‘While it’s provocatively argued, it is hard to argue against Sommer’s hypothesis. When you join a charity, you buy into the policy and culture set by the trustees. I think that there is a middle road: recognising we exist within a capitalist system but resisting unbridled and unrestrained capitalism. That’s a place where foundation trustees and staff can hopefully find some common ground.’ 
Paul Ramsbottom
CEO, Wolfson Foundation 

‘I could not disagree more with Simon Sommer. Philanthropic money is given a tax break for the public good – not the continued advancement of the inequitable systems that allowed historic and continuing wealth accumulation by the few at the cost to the many. We need leaders, staff and board members within foundations invested in remedying and transforming such systems. I’ve worked with foundation CEOs and boards who are battling economic inequity, tackling system racism, and transforming their communities. It can be done.’
Lori Villarosa
Executive Director, Philanthropic Initiative for Racial Equity 

To read Simon’s article, go to: tinyurl.com/alliance-simon-sommer