Philanthropy, risk and innovation

30 October 2018

We look at the relationship between risk, innovation and philanthropy. The ability to take risks and innovate is often claimed to be on of the key strengths of philanthropy, but is this really true? How does philanthropy innovate? Why can it take risks? And what makes it different to state or private sector approaches? Topics we cover include:

What kinds of risk can philanthropy take?
Why is it able to take these risks?
Does philanthropy find innovative new ways of achieving social outcomes?
What is the exit for philanthropic innovation once it has been proven to work?
Is philanthropy losing its control of social innovation to the public and private sector?
How has philanthropy itself innovated over time? From the rise of associational philanthropy in the 18th century to the development of mass-market giving in the 20th century.
Social investment and blended approaches
Micro donations and automated philanthropy
Innovation in causes: philanthropic campaigning and public opinion
When does innovation become self-indulgence? Silicon Valley philanthropy and private space travel.

About the Giving Thought podcast

The Giving Thought podcast is an exploration of trends in global philanthropy and civil society. Since launching in May 2017, the podcast has become recognised as an insightful and influential source of philanthropic debate.

In each episode Rhodri Davies, Director of our Giving Thought Think Tank, and guests, take a contemporary issue in philanthropy and civil society and break it down into three manageable chunks, giving an overview of the extensive work they have done on the subject. Episodes are also available free on iTunes and Libsyn.

Visit the Giving Thought podcast library

Rhodri Davies

Head of Policy

Rhodri leads Giving Thought, our in-house think tank focusing on current and future issues affecting philanthropy and civil society. Rhodri has spent nearly a decade specialising in public policy around philanthropy and the work of charities, and has researched, written and presented on a wide range of topics. He has a first-class degree in Mathematics and Philosophy from the University of Oxford. Read more about Rhodri

E: givingthought@cafonline.org

@Rhodri_H_Davies

Giving Thought think-tank

Giving Thought is where we consider the key challenges facing civil society globally, explore how and why people give, and test radical new ideas that could shape the future of charity.

Visit Giving Thought ►

Disruptive Technology, Philanthropy & Civil Society

Discover the potential for technology to influence philanthropy, and how philanthropy support organizations fit into this discussion.

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Wealth, religion and social status: philanthropy in London

Our Head of Policy, Rhodri Davies, talks about how philanthropy has evolved in the capital.

Philanthropy and the City of London ►