We have to start with us, not with externally imposed conversations and frameworks. And this has been both the opportunity and the challenge as the field of African philanthropy has been developing. Read More
It's been forty years since its founding and Mama Cash, the world’s first international women’s fund, is still going strong. Read More
Can the philanthropic sector embrace futures thinking, challenging its own legacy, and transform into an engine for change? Read More
As much as we’d love to throw a big party to celebrate our anniversary, now doesn't feel like the right time. Read More
As the world faces growing climate impacts, the debate around mitigation versus adaptation has never been more pressing. Instead of seeing adaptation and mitigation as opposing forces, funders should find ways to integrate them. This approach can empower communities, build social capital, reduce climate denial, and engage new audiences in climate action. Read More
In October 2023 the international version of my book, “Philanthropy Back to the Drawing Board: Shaping a Future Agenda”, was published by Philea, following the Dutch version a year earlier, published by Walburg Press. The release of the international version gave rise to a trail of events in different… Read More
Reflecting on the global challenges we face today, from the increasing socio-economic inequalities to climate change, responsible giving is as important as responsible receiving. Philanthropy must not only respond to immediate needs but evolve into a catalyst for deep, sustainable changes. As the Founder of Friendship in Bangladesh and Friendship… Read More
In late 2021, Wilde Ganzen began exploring methodologies to enhance community participation with minimal interference from the organisation. Participatory Grantmaking (PGM) emerged as a promising approach – not only to increase community participation but also to potentially reshape how we operate as an organisation in the future. We envisioned that… Read More
The philanthropic task has become more complex due to disruptions caused by the global pandemic, persistent socio-economic inequalities, increasing polarisation, institutional racism, and the widespread impacts of climate change. These factors continuously challenge the legitimate and fundamental aims of philanthropy. Philanthropic organisations are also increasingly required to ensure high standards… Read More
Foundations support development in many ways. What they fund and support is important. But how they provide this support is critical to achieving impact. In recent years, philanthropy has increasingly scrutinised its own methods of giving. Flexibility, agility, and risk-taking are intrinsic to philanthropy’s values and has been put forth… Read More
