Reimagining Global Philanthropy: The Community Bank Model of Social Development

Well-meaning Westerners are increasingly seeking ways to help the less fortunate, but many projects cause more harm than good. Reimagining Global Philanthropy offers a new model that empowers local leaders to achieve better results. The book includes five documentary films and supplemental materials for readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2021
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Well-intentioned Westerners seek innovative solutions to assist the less fortunate. Today, a growing number of individuals are not limited to volunteering abroad and contributing to international non-profit organizations; they are also advancing cutting-edge innovations and initiating projects with the ultimate goal of fostering societal transformation. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that many of these endeavors often lack efficiency and can inadvertently cause more harm than good.

Reimagining Global Philanthropy takes readers on a captivating journey as a conservative banker and a progressive professor embark on a quest to find a more effective approach. Kirk S. Bowman and Jon R. Wilcox shed light on the burgeoning global compassion industry, unveiling the incentives that drive inefficient practices and subpar outcomes. Instead of funding start-up projects with slim chances of success, Bowman and Wilcox advocate for empowering local leaders as a means to significantly enhance philanthropic efficacy. Drawing inspiration from the success of community banks, Bowman and Wilcox develop and implement a novel model that significantly boosts philanthropic impact. Their straightforward and meticulously tested approach mandates community members to take the lead, with external partners playing a supportive role. Bowman and Wilcox recount their experiences testing the model in Brazil, showcasing the immense value of granting individuals in marginalized communities the opportunity to innovate. In a time of profound social reckoning, this book offers valuable insights into how global philanthropy can address its blind spots and shortcomings to achieve truly transformative outcomes.

To accompany the text, readers can access five of the documentary films discussed in the book on a companion website. In addition to the films, chapter discussion questions, and other supplemental materials are also readily available at the site. By delving into the complexities of global philanthropy, Reimagining Global Philanthropy empowers individuals and organizations to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

Weight: 438g
Dimension: 224 x 149 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231200103