Philanthropy in Practice

Pragmatism and the Impact of Philanthropic Action

Business & Finance, Business Reference, Government & Business, Industries & Professions, Nonprofit Organizations & Charities, Industries
Cover of the book Philanthropy in Practice by Ekkehard Thümler, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ekkehard Thümler ISBN: 9781315454719
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: July 6, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Ekkehard Thümler
ISBN: 9781315454719
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: July 6, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Philanthropic foundations are experiencing a crisis of professional identity. They attract considerable hopes due to an unusually high degree of independence and freedom of manoeuvre, which theoretically places them in a privileged position to find novel solutions to societies’ most severe and intractable problems. However, the field is said to suffer from a pervasive lack of orientation as to how these aspirations can be realized. Compared to other professions, it can be said that there exists neither reliable knowledge nor established practices which might guide the strategy development and the daily practice of foundations. This void is frequently filled by changing fads which present easy to grasp recipes and often make bold promises of how foundations can change the world.

Yet, none of them has ever met these expectations. Philanthropy in Practice shows how philanthropic organizations can effectively address this predicament. Drawing on the public philosophy of Pragmatism, it argues that, to be effective, they need to go for the solution of social problems of middle range.

The book puts at center stage the crucial role of niches in terms of bounded, protected and stable social spaces which are rich in resources. They render possible the experiments required to develop effective interventions and facilitate the retention of novel solutions to social problems. The model builds upon, and is illustrated by four in-depth case studies from the UK, Germany and Switzerland.

With its sharp analytical eye and substantial evidence, Philanthropy in Practice will reshape the way we think about the questions of what impact philanthropy can reasonably hope to achieve, and by which means.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Philanthropic foundations are experiencing a crisis of professional identity. They attract considerable hopes due to an unusually high degree of independence and freedom of manoeuvre, which theoretically places them in a privileged position to find novel solutions to societies’ most severe and intractable problems. However, the field is said to suffer from a pervasive lack of orientation as to how these aspirations can be realized. Compared to other professions, it can be said that there exists neither reliable knowledge nor established practices which might guide the strategy development and the daily practice of foundations. This void is frequently filled by changing fads which present easy to grasp recipes and often make bold promises of how foundations can change the world.

Yet, none of them has ever met these expectations. Philanthropy in Practice shows how philanthropic organizations can effectively address this predicament. Drawing on the public philosophy of Pragmatism, it argues that, to be effective, they need to go for the solution of social problems of middle range.

The book puts at center stage the crucial role of niches in terms of bounded, protected and stable social spaces which are rich in resources. They render possible the experiments required to develop effective interventions and facilitate the retention of novel solutions to social problems. The model builds upon, and is illustrated by four in-depth case studies from the UK, Germany and Switzerland.

With its sharp analytical eye and substantial evidence, Philanthropy in Practice will reshape the way we think about the questions of what impact philanthropy can reasonably hope to achieve, and by which means.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Contemporary Perspectives on Corporate Marketing by Ekkehard Thümler
Cover of the book Development Betrayed by Ekkehard Thümler
Cover of the book Indecent Theology by Ekkehard Thümler
Cover of the book Pedagogies for Diverse Contexts by Ekkehard Thümler
Cover of the book Discipline by Ekkehard Thümler
Cover of the book Orchestrating Inquiry Learning by Ekkehard Thümler
Cover of the book Words and Minds by Ekkehard Thümler
Cover of the book The Pursuit of Excellence Through Education by Ekkehard Thümler
Cover of the book Handbook of Soccer Match Analysis by Ekkehard Thümler
Cover of the book Cultural Studies by Ekkehard Thümler
Cover of the book Transdisciplinary Perspectives on Transitions to Sustainability by Ekkehard Thümler
Cover of the book Safer Hospital Care by Ekkehard Thümler
Cover of the book Global Environmental Change by Ekkehard Thümler
Cover of the book Surrogacy, Law and Human Rights by Ekkehard Thümler
Cover of the book An Outline of the Aryan Civilization by Ekkehard Thümler
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy