Penny Miles’ Post

'Strategic philanthropy' is a bit of a catch phrase which encompasses top-down approaches to philanthropy that can impose solutions on communities instead of empowering community self-determination. This is a well researched article on the shortcomings of so-called strategic approaches to philanthropy: "philanthropists’ most effective role might not be to devise solutions to societal problems but rather to underwrite an open-ended process for change"... https://lnkd.in/g53yXWhN Philanthropy New Zealand, Community Foundations Australia, The Global Fund for Community Foundations #communityfoundations #philanthropy #communityselfdetermination

Very insightful article. A couple of specific points I note: "Philanthropy can foster self-determination through peer-driven change that encourages individual success while neutralizing destructive and racist social narratives that impede progress." And, "We must support people in finding their own solutions, boosting their sense of agency, and supporting them in building their own communities." I invite your thoughts. #communityleddevelopment #bettertogether #selfdetermination

In my seminal work "Philanthropy in Bosnia and Herzegovina" I raised a question: Strategic or humanitarian philanthropy? Wrong question. Right question: Strategic or empowering philanthropy? Shorter answer: Empowering. Longer answer: Philanthropy is love for the human(kind). This implies focusing on the people, not programs. It also implies respecting the autonomy and dignity of nonprofits' beneficiaries. Instead of paternlizing, philanthropists should empowering people in need. More about the argument in the link below.

Co-creation is the future of #Philanthropy. When we bring together diverse stakeholders—donors, beneficiaries, and community members—we unlock innovative solutions that truly address the root causes of social issues. I've seen firsthand how collaborative initiatives lead to sustainable change. How are you fostering co-creation in your work? #CoCreation #CommunityImpact #SocialInnovation Read more on the power of co-creation in philanthropy: https://lnkd.in/epABQGnN

Interesting article on how to incentivise a culture of philanthropy in your organisation. Top tips: -always include biz development staff in organizational decisions. - program staff play an active role in relationship building. - fundraising and engagement are inextricably linked/work together. -transformational relationships take priority over transactions. More here 👇 #businessdevelopment #philanthropy #NGOs #fundraising

#Familybusinesses often have a long-term outlook, focusing on generational success rather than short-term gains as well

So important to understand how the non profit world needs an overhaul.

The results of this are really interesting when we appreciate how many funders also strengthen nonprofits through non-financial measures. Is it actually best for funders to provide money and “get out of the way”, as one quoted funder puts it, or do they continue to have a wider role? One focus of my current research is looking at the consequences of this ‘other’ help on the relationships within charities: I’m keen to see what conclusions this study ultimately draws about other aspects of its impact.

Cynthia Gibson, Jocelynne Rainey, Ed.D. and Lisa Pilar Cowan's article brought more than one tear to my eye 😢 . But I thank them so much for writing it 🙏 . For anyone who truly wants to make long-term, sustainable and positive change, trust-based philanthropy is a must 👍. But the crucial element is that those who state they are using it, must have shared definitions about what it actually is. So a critique of 'trust-based philanthropy' when they are talking about an approach that doesn't exist, is unnecessarily demeaning of others 👎. As noted, it is tradition that donors and philanthropists often impede over organisations' knowledge about what the donors and philanthropists 'know is best'. Of course, sometimes they do have incredibly knowledgeable first-hand experience (sadly for the wrong reasons) but by not giving a seat at the table to those that authentically do have lived-experiences, there is a void of information which is critical for success. This article is very well-informed and notes all of the challenges that come with trust-based philanthropy. But just because there are challenges, how can an approach be written off? When the benefits far outweigh the challenges that are faced? The information provided here is much more detailed than this snapshot observation, but for anyone who is questioning the reasons and benefits of trust-based philanthropy, this is a must read 👏. I'd be interested to know if this negative approach to trust-based philanthropy is present to this extent in the UK... 🤔. I hope not 🤞. #philanthropy #philanthropists #donors #giving #trustbasedphilanthropy #charities #grants #charity

It is hard to believe that a year has passed since the book I co-wrote with Dr Beth Breeze OBE (Advising Philanthropists: principles and practice) was published. In this short article for University of Kent Centre for Philanthropy, I get to reflect 'one year on' and the good news is that there are some positive signs of growth, recognition, and development in the philanthropy advising profession. #philanthropy #advice #publicgood https://lnkd.in/e67FUa8r