Short description:

This reference work showcases the power of a multidisciplinary approach in providing a comprehensive view of the complex subject of philanthropy. It identifies areas for improvement and discusses the relationships between governance in philanthropic organizations and important issues such as trust, equality, and democracy.

Long description:

Philanthropy Multidisciplinary Perspectives is a reference for academics and professionals engaged in philanthropy. It brings together scholars from fields such as economics, finance, law, philosophy, and sociology, showcasing the power of a multidisciplinary approach in providing a comprehensive view of this complex subject.

The book addresses foundational questions in philanthropy and is divided into four parts. The first part asks the crucial question of why philanthropy matters, exploring the motivations behind giving and how beneficiaries are selected. The second part looks at the interaction between business and philanthropy. It examines the rise of social enterprises, the shift toward purpose-driven businesses, and the evolution of corporate social responsibility into sustainable enterprises. This part also addresses tax considerations that impact philanthropy's ability to scale. The book explores the synergies between finance and philanthropy to foster sustainable development and how philanthropy is addressing or could address specific SDGs. It concludes with key ingredients for good governance in philanthropy.

The book tackles major challenges, such as diversity, compensation, and data management, while tracing the evolution of best practices in foundation governance. It identifies areas for improvement and discusses the relationships between governance in philanthropic organizations and important issues such as trust, equality, and democracy.

Table of Contents:

Part I: Philanthropy and motivations to give 1. Philanthropy at the crossroads of its diverse philosophical origins 2. Moral responsibility: a theory based on power and expectations 3. Can we ignore the plight of distant strangers in need? 4. Jon Elster on the warm glow: altruism, self-image and the instrumental value of giving 5. Critiquing the critics: a theoretical exploration of philanthropy criticism 6. Comparison of statistical methodologies for philanthropic studies 7. The neuroscience of philanthropic behavior 8. Affective philanthropy Part II: Philanthropy, Business and Entrepreneurship 9. The ?philanthropic? duties of the board of directors in the new paradigm of responsible capitalism 10. CSR 4.0 - toward a constitutionalization of powers: a legal and economic perspective 11. The ?neutrality? of the purpose of Swiss companies: a prodromal element for a stakeholders? primacy conception 12. From social enterprises to sustainable enterprises 13. The role of family offices and family philanthropy in building legacies 14. Tax incentives for corporate philanthropy: addressing conflicts of interest ? Swiss legal insights 15. Overcoming tax barriers to philanthropy and social entrepreneurship Part III: Philanthropy and finance for the common good 16. Regulation of impact investing by foundations: the Swiss and US perspectives 17. Impact investing: the need for impact performance measurement 18. Social impact bonds (SIBs): an innovative financing tool for social change 19. Facing the climate crisis: the environmental transition of the philanthropic sector in Europe 20. Good practices in water management and protection: a code of conduct for corporations 21. Trajectories and provenances as challenges to philanthropy: when new roles and relationships emerge in museums 22. Role of philanthropic foundations and associations for the arts and culture 23. Philanthropy and international law Part IV: Governance and Philanthropy 24. Philanthropy and institutional trust 25. Trust-based philanthropy: new buzzword or paradigm shift? 26. Best practices for good foundation governance 27. The restructuring and further developing of foundations 28. Essay on board compensation of Swiss tax-exempt foundations 29. Diversity and the law in not-for-profit organizations 30. Data protection, governance, and philanthropy 31. Power and equity in philanthropy 32. Philanthropy and democracy: an inquiry into the varieties of philanthropic models