Handbook on Philanthropy and Social Policy

This comprehensive Handbook considers the emergence of philanthropic foundations and institutions as increasingly crucial social policy actors. It presents an interdisciplinary examination of modern philanthropies, tracing their development and impact across global regions, social policy sectors and policy making processes.

Leading international scholars discuss the key concepts and debates surrounding social policy and philanthropy, exploring how substantial donations made by wealthy families, individuals, foundations and corporations (characterised as Big Philanthropy) have created a more complex form of social welfare. Chapters outline the work of philanthropic organisations across fields such as health, education, housing and climate change mitigation and across multilateral development forums. Specific attention is paid to the impact of philanthropy in the Global South through the analysis of detailed case studies, including the role of the Ford Foundation in China’s reform era and the influence of the Tata Group in India. Ultimately, the Handbook provides an innovative and critical perspective on the nature of philanthropic actors in different social policy arenas, their normative influence on policy processes and dynamics, and the restructuring of contemporary welfare states.

Students and scholars of social policy, philanthropy and development studies will benefit greatly from this new Handbook. It is also an invaluable resource for policy makers and practitioners working with philanthropic organisations.