The Seeds of Change in Philanthropy

“The fish is the last to know it swims in the water”. - Chinese proverb

The new ecology opens up a wide range of opportunities to reinvent and improve the way that philanthropy operates. Many donors are experimenting in response, working hard to improve and adapt while questioning traditional notions of how philanthropy has been done in the U.S. Some are experimenting with their grantmaking strategies, while others are rethinking available resources, redefining the spheres of activity, creating a culture of learning, aggregating actors, and even questioning the foundation form. The result: seeds of change being planted all around, sprouting, cross-pollinating, and in a few cases, bearing real fruit. The second section of the guide looks at the patterns emerging in these innovations, and explores numerous examples of philanthropists who are experimenting with alternatives to the traditional ways of doing things.

Have a look at the OLD PATTERNS OR HABITS and SEEDS OF CHANGE in the full report found at the Future of Philanthropy link: http://www.futureofphilanthropy.org/

What are your thoughts about this? How will this effect the philanthropic landscape in South Africa? Are we entering the 'New Philanthropic Era' with a clear understanding of the issues?

(Source: Looking out for the Future, “An Orientation for Twenty-First Century Philanthropists, Executive Summary written by Katherine Fulton and Andrew Blau of the Global Network and Monitor Institute, members of the Monitor Group)