Graduate Research Papers

Availability

Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

Philanthropy is widely regarded as a catalyst for social good, yet significant disparities remain between philanthropic intent and measurable impact. Despite there being more than $550 billion in annual charitable giving in the United States alone, systemic issues such as racial injustice, poverty, and inequality persist, prompting scrutiny of the philanthropic sector's overall effectiveness. This literature review delves into the complexities of the barriers that inhibit philanthropy's ability to create transformational social change. It draws from peer-reviewed literature and practitioner insights in interdisciplinary frameworks. This study examines barriers across three different levels: individual, organizational, and systemic.

On the individual level, emotional reasoning, identity-based motives, and selective engagement often limit data-driven decision-making. Organizationally, philanthropic institutions suffer from rigid governance structures, top-down control, and mission drift. Systemic barriers include entrenched norms of whiteness, technocratic logic, and Western-centric practices that marginalize non-traditional giving frameworks. These multi-level challenges reveal how power dynamics, cultural assumptions, and structural inefficiencies limit the effectiveness of philanthropic endeavors.

This literature review also highlights adaptive learning, trust-based philanthropy, inclusive governance, and impact evaluation that integrates financial and social returns, bridging the gap between philanthropic vision and impact. Scholars advocate for clearer theories of philanthropy to align organizational purpose, strategy, and accountability.

Together, these insights highlight the need for a paradigm shift in how philanthropy is conceptualized and practiced. Instead of perpetuating top-down donor-centric models, the philanthropic sector must embrace relational equity and equity-driven approaches that prioritize shared governance and community leadership.

Through synthesizing current scholarship and frameworks, this study contributes to the growing body of research calling for the imagination of philanthropic systems. It offers actionable steps to drive sector-wide innovation and sustainable equity-centric outcomes. Ultimately, these findings argue that philanthropy can live up to its ideals if it commits to disrupting systems of power it too often reinforces.

Year of Submission

2025

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Department of Health, Recreation, and Community Services

First Advisor

Julianne Gassman

Date Original

2025

Object Description

1 PDF file (56 pages)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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