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Special Issue of Alliance Magazine: Philanthropy and Power

Courtesy of www.alliancemagazine.org The September 2013 issue of Alliance Magazine focuses on philanthropy and power. In his article, ‘The power of money’ guest editor Stephen Pittam explores how philanthropy can best use the power brought by increased resources, as it enters its “second golden age”, to increase its impact on social justice and promoting a…

The Power of Money

By Stephen Pittam Courtesy of www.alliancemagazine.org Six months after I had started working for the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) a close friend said to me, ‘you have changed – you expect people to listen to you.’ It was a good reminder of the best piece of advice I received on getting the job. Eric…

Poverty and Wealth in New Orleans

By Albert Ruesga Courtesy of www.alliancemagazine.org ‘Let not thy will roar, when thy power can but whisper.’ Dr Thomas Fuller Wealthy donors are typically the lifeblood of a community foundation. These individuals and families draw their power from many of the institutions that define contemporary life in a capitalist society – not only financial institutions,…

I Participate, You Participate, They Decide

By Avila Kilmurray Courtesy of www.alliancemagazine.org ‘This is how the verb “to participate” is conjugated – I participate, you participate, they decide.’ This comment relates to international development aid but could be echoed by grant recipients of many philanthropic programmes. Who decides on the allocation of resources and how? Motivated by an acute sensitivity to…

Unleashing Foundations’ Special Powers

By Suzanne Siskel and Anna-Nanine Pond Courtesy of www.alliancemagazine.org How powerful are foundations relative to other actors in society? With few exceptions, foundations and NGOs pale in size, programme scope and budgets beside governments, international development agencies and multinational corporations. Yet, too often, grantmakers act as if the limited transactional clout of giving away money…

A Shared Agenda for Social Justice and Peace Philanthropy in Latin America and the Caribbean

By Chandrika Sahai and Ana Criquillion This post is also available here in Spanish. At the current moment in time, Latin America and the Caribbean as a region is witnessing enormous shifts. Its economic landscape is changing and some of the countries in the region are now identified as emerging markets. Meanwhile social, economic and…

From Grantee to Grantmaker

By Ana Criquillion Courtesy of www.alliancemagazine.org When I started the Central American Women’s Fund (FCAM) in Nicaragua almost a decade ago, I wondered how I could involve Central American women’s movements in decision-making without creating a political mess. Decisions around money are always difficult, particularly where there are so few resources available and where organizations…

Interview with Sumitra Mishra, iPartner India, India

“I feel proud that iPartner India as a donor keeps its ear to the ground and supports such brave initiatives, irrespective of the political situation, conflict and the associated risks – we care that we are in a position where we can enable transformation and we push forward.” Sumitra Mishra, Country Director of iPartner India…