Opinions

Complex dynamics don’t need to have complex causes

Peter Turchin, complexity scientist and author of “The End Times: Elites, Counter-Elites and the Path of Political Disintegration” discusses the causes of crises past and present, and the importance of better forecasting them in the future.

Hazel Hennessy

Head of Communications and Relationships, Philanthropy Ireland

Opinions - 23 January 2024

A monumental step forward for Irish philanthropy with a backdrop of a city in turmoil

A pivotal moment came for the philanthropy movement in Ireland late last year with the launch of the first National Policy on Philanthropy. This policy could not come at a more important time considering the recent Dublin Riots that made the news only last November.

Mandy Van Deven

Founder, Both/And Solutions

Opinions - 16 January 2024

How philanthropy can fund the infrastructure for narrative power

Philanthropy's support for narrative change is expanding. 45 philanthropy professionals convened in 2023 to reflect on the funding practices that strengthen narrative change efforts and the sector norms that stand in the way.

Sevda Kilicalp

Head of Research and Knowledge Development, Philea

Opinions - 16 January 2024

Why funders engage with unrestricted funding and cost recovery (and why they don’t)

MacKenzie Scott’s donations, totalling approximately $13 billion as of spring 2022, represent a significant departure from traditional philanthropic practices. So, is unrestricted funding the way forward, or is it not that simple?

Jessica Bridges

Head of Advocacy and Communications, UK Branch, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

Louisa Hooper

Director of Sustainability Programme and UK Branch, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

Opinions - 15 January 2024

Funding climate storytelling: Behind the scenes of BBC StoryWorks’ ‘What the Ocean Reveals About Us’

This six-minute film 'What the Ocean Reveals About Us', produced by BBC StoryWorks for the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, explores the climate-health nexus to highlight humanity’s dependence on and deep connection to the ocean, and why healing the ocean is so important.

Loïs Schotanus

Program Manager - People & Nature, Adessium Foundation

Opinions - 10 January 2024

How local environmental journalism can help counter the Mediterranean marine conservation crisis

Increasing the frequency and quality of reporting on marine management issues is not just relevant for citizens, it also enhances the advocacy work of the NGOs active within this field. We believe stories and investigations can give civil society the tools and political momentum needed to exert pressure.

Sabrina Grassi

Director General, Swiss Philanthropy Foundation

Opinions - 19 December 2023

Philanthropy without borders: what are the drivers of generosity among the Swiss abroad?

Over the past three years, 93% of Swiss abroad gave gifts. Family philanthropic traditions as well as transparency are crucial drivers of this generosity. Solidarity is another key motivator. Organized and cross-border philanthropy is vital to enhancing impact and fostering ties between expatriates and Switzerland, as 10% live abroad. Amid global challenges, philanthropy plays a crucial role in addressing crises.

Ilaria d’Auria

Head of Programmes, Thematic Collaborations

Opinions - 18 December 2023

Collaborative philanthropy requires discomfort, so why do we keep it up?

There has been a rise in collaborative philanthropy which has led to shifting practices, experimentation, an increased focus on funding systemic issues and racial justice, as well as more diverse leadership. Yet the path that leads to forms of collaboration is bumpy and often uncomfortable, so why do we persevere?

Lourdes Márquez de la Calleja

Director of Alliances and International Relations, Fundación ONCE and Legal Affairs Committee member, Philea

Opinions - 15 December 2023

Boosting the social economy: Insights from the Spanish EU Presidency event in San Sebastian

The Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union made social economy and “building an economy at the service of people and the planet” one of its strategic priorities.

Avila Kilmurray

Migration and Peacebuilding Executive, Social Change Initiative

Barry Knight

Executive Director, CENTRIS

Opinions - 14 December 2023

How can philanthropy contribute to a safe, healthy, and just world?

Philanthropy can act when it needs to. Yet, at the same time, philanthropy has not always geared itself up to make positive contributions in situations of conflict, and certainly, has not brought all its resources – financial and connective – to bear on the current challenges.

Alexei Lakhov

Consultant on Advocacy and Fundraising

Opinions - 8 December 2023

Uncertain Future for Russian HIV-service NGOs: Navigating Legal Challenges and Foreign Funding

First the COVID-19 pandemic and then the Russian invasion of Ukraine has Russian HIV-service NGOs asking: can they weather the current challenges? And is external support still a viable option?

Hanna Woodhead

Program Manager and Curator, Jacobs Foundation – Digital Museum of Learning

Opinions - 6 December 2023

Challenges and opportunities for museums and schools in the digital era

In many ways, museums and schools in the West have followed a similar evolution since the 19th century. Just as museums have evolved from sanctuaries centred around the conservation of precious objects to centres for education and leisure, the expectations for school education are shifting towards a more holistic pedagogy focusing on the famous "21st-century skills". Museums and schools are increasingly expected to be more adaptive to individuals, relevant to their social context, inclusive and sustainable.

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