All Themes

Dig into eight themes of original content. Each theme takes on a big question facing philanthropy, weaving together perspectives from different disciplines, cultures, faiths, and vantage points. Read, listen, and reflect.

Narrative

What are the dominant and overlooked stories of philanthropy? Look beyond simple stories and grapple with complexity.

Narrative

Origin

How is the history of inequality intertwined with the history of Western philanthropy? Unravel long standing patterns, and explore other cultural conceptions of giving.

Origin

Money

If we follow the money, what can we learn about the relationship between foundations, donors, the state, charities, and people? Probe the structure of Western philanthropy.

Money

Purpose

What makes for a meaningful purpose? At its best, what can philanthropy do that other sectors cannot? Meet organizations re-imagining their purpose.

Purpose

Boundaries

What do we mean by community? Who decides who is in and out? Explore different frames, and what it means for participation and power.

Boundaries

Intergenerational

What is philanthropy’s obligation to past, present, and future generations? Unpack the rub between longevity, unmet needs, and the repair of past harms.

Intergenerational

Decisions

How do we figure out what are good and bad, right and wrong, better and worse decisions? Try on different moral frameworks for ethical decision-making.

Decisions

Learning

How can you use the content on PurposePhil to support action learning? Download practical resources to bring a narrative change approach to your context.

Learning

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Dig into eight modules of original content. Each module takes on a big question facing philanthropy, weaving together perspectives from different disciplines, cultures, faiths, and vantage points. Read, listen, and reflect.

See all posts