Myths of Philanthropy series

April 9, 2025

1

minute read
Various contributors

In this special feature series, contributors from across the philanthropic sector will identify the dominant narratives that underpin common practices, and explore interventions that can redesign philanthropy in ways that set us up to succeed.

The Myths of Philanthropy: What if we change the narratives that govern the philanthropic sector?

Mandy Van Deven introduces a new series of articles exploring the narratives that underpin common practices in the philanthropic sector, inviting us to unravel the myths that are limiting what we can achieve.

Photo of Mandy Van Deven, Co-lead, Elemental. Quote: "This series will highlight work that has long been happening to uncover and address some of the harmful narratives that drive philanthropy"

A path to repair: What if philanthropy wasn't about giving money away, but returning it?

Lisa Cowan argues that rather than thinking of themselves as strategic gatekeepers, grant-makers might think of themselves as creative stewards who are trying to get money back to its original owners.

Photo of Lisa Pilar Cowan, Vice President, Robert Sterling Clark Foundation. Quote: "I wonder if there is a different story that we could be telling... What would it look like if we were deliberate and transparent in talking about how philanthropic dollars were amassed?"

Positioning and Repositioning: What if what we inherited doesn’t have to be the legacy we leave?

Setting up a foundation with inherited wealth led Louisa Mann to question many of the norms of philanthropy - and the wealth management system that underpins it. She shares how Thirty Percy and its partners began to imagine alternatives.

Photo of Louisa Mann, chair, Thirty Percy. Quote: "In the world of excess wealth, even when there is more than enough, the operatinng principles is, perversely, one of scarcity"

Spending stories: moving from perpetuity to purpose

Dimple Abichandani proposes a new narrative to guide foundation spending in this time of crisis - one that is based neither on arbitrary timeframes, nor on the insignificance of our giving, but on the purpose of the spending, and of philanthropy itself.

Photo of Dimple Abichandani, philnahtropy advisor and author. Quote: "Simply put, if fulfilling a foundation's mission or strategy requires greater spending today, a perpetuity goal may directly conflict with that purpose"

The Myths of Philanthropy series is being published in collaboration with the Center for Effective Philanthropy, Elemental, and VITA.

More coming soon!

New articles in this series will be regularly published on the Funders Collaborative Hub between April and June 2025. Subscribe to the Hub newsletter for updates.

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The Funders Collaborative Hub publishes a range of perspectives. The views expressed here are those of the authors, not necessarily those of ACF.