Private Resources for the Public Good: Advanced Topics in Philanthropy

Catalog description

Philanthropy plays a unique role in advancing social change. Unlike for-profits, there is no requirement to generate a benefit to (private or public) shareholders, and unlike government (in a democracy), individual donors and institutional funders cannot be voted out. Given philanthropy’s role, what tactics and strategies can philanthropy use for positive social change? This class will examine key issues in contemporary philanthropy organized around three pillars: 1) Giving techniques and theories, 2) Internal infrastructure and tools, and 3) Global contexts and public policy environment Each class will explore a different topic and include readings to promote classroom discussions and debate. In several classes, outside speakers who are experts in their field will present and there will be a facilitated discussion. Topics may include: philosophies of philanthropy; legal and regulatory issues; philanthropic vehicles and infrastructure needed to support those entities; understanding the broad meaning of social capital; philanthropy changes across the globe; and the public policy pressures that govern the field.