In this episode we unpick the complex relationship between philanthropy and democracy. Does philanthropy undermine democracy, or strengthen it? Do we need to make philanthropy itself more democratic? And if so, how?

Including:

• Does philanthropy automatically introduce a “plutocratic bias” into public discourse and policy?
• Is lack of transparency a particular issue? Does the trend towards using structures like LLCs exacerbate this problem?
• Does the ability of individuals at any level of wealth to associate within civil society lead to the dangers of “faction” - with minority groups able to exert an undue negative influence on the democratic system? How does this relate to digitally-enabled conspiracy groups like QAnon?
• Does perpetuity in philanthropy result in intergenerational injustice as a result of the “dead hand of the donor”?
• What role does philanthropy play in giving voice and power to marginalised groups and thus overcoming “the tyranny of the majority” in a democracy?
• How does civil society campaigning and advocacy strengthen democracy?
• What role can philanthropy play in the countering disinformation and online extremism that has tarnished the public sphere?
• Can philanthropic support for public interest journalism bolster democracy?
• Can big money philanthropy be justified on the grounds of its ability to drive innovation & “discovery”?
• What role does philanthropy play in enabling a “battle of Ideas”, and is this to the benefit or detriment of democracy?
• Is voluntary action a “nursery school of democracy”, as many have argued?
• Do we need to democratise philanthropy itself? Does this need to be with respect to donors or recipients, or both? What models are there for doing so?

Related Links:

• Giving Thought blog “Does Philanthropy Help or Hinder Democracy?”
• Giving Thought discussion paper, “From the Margins to the Mainstream: Philanthropy & Social Movements Furthering Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Society”
• Rhod’s Cass Business School Master’s course lecture on “Principles of Philanthropy Policymaking”
• Stanford Social Innovation Review, “How Can Philanthropy Help Rehabilitate US Democracy?”
• Rob Reich’s book “Just Giving: Why Philanthropy is Failing Democracy and How it Can Do Better”
• Sir Arthur Hobhouse’s book “The Dead Hand”
• Giving Thought podcast interviews with Rob Reich, Lucy Bernholz, Sameer Padania, Paul Vallely and Rose Longhurst.
• Giving Thought deep-dives on philanthropy and structure; philanthropy, risk and innovation; philanthropy diversity & inclusion; Effective Altruism; philanthropy and the welfare state