'Tomorrow's Philanthropy'—Groundbreaking Research on Impact of Philanthropy

(Press release, April 9, 2015) — Rogare, Plymouth University's fundraising think tank, and the Resource Alliance, have joined together in a two-year research collaboration to explore different philanthropic behaviors and how they deliver value to human well-being around the world.

This major research, supported by The Resource Alliance, will look at the relationships between different innovations and trends, such as social entrepreneurship, impact investment and venture philanthropy, as well as the methods of direct, donor-to-beneficiary support that cut out the "middleman" nonprofit organization.

By examining the perspectives, as well as the contrasts and comparisons of each approach, Rogare will develop a rich picture of how this complex system is changing. It will also speculate what the landscape might look like a decade from now, along with the implications this will have on resource generation, policies and practice.

Kyla Shawyer, CEO of the Resource Alliance, says: "As traditional models of giving are being challenged by new kinds of social investment, it's more crucial than ever to understand the different ways in which people give, the strengths and weaknesses, and how they work together. What are the temporary fads and what are the game-changing trends? We are delighted to be working with Adrian Sargeant and Ian MacQuillin on this groundbreaking project. We believe that this research will help fundraisers to understand these emerging models, how they affect the sector and very importantly, how they impact on social change."

Ian MacQuillin, Rogare's director, says: "We are tremendously and genuinely excited about this collaboration with the Resource Alliance. Their ability to convene leading edge thinkers from the world of social impact and our ability to do leading edge research will help us to drive an international research agenda that will strengthen fundraising and philanthropy globally. By collaborating with the Resource Alliance, we can ensure our work will benefit all fundraisers, in all nonprofits, in all countries."

The Resource Alliance will also assist Rogare in internationalizing its advisory panel of senior and emerging sector thinkers and will host a meeting of the panel at the International Fundraising Congress in 2015 and 2016. Shawyer and Laura Boulton, conference and strategy director, will take up positions on the panel. Kyla will also serve on the board of the Rogare's parent body, the Centre for Sustainable Philanthropy.

Rogare is keen to hear from individuals who might be interested in joining its advisory panel. More details on how to get involved will be announced shortly.

About the research project

The research—which will be led by Professor Adrian Sargeant, conducted during 2015, and presented at a range of Resource Alliance events throughout 2016—will look at five types of innovations and philanthropic behaviors:

• social entrepreneurship
• impact investment
• venture philanthropy
• disintermediation (philanthropy direct to beneficiaries without going through a nonprofit agency)
• organized philanthropy

Resource Alliance will help Rogare to identify key players in each field. The research will then follow six stages:

1. Examine the forces impacting each category of innovation and speculate as to their likely impact in the coming 10-year period.
2. Identify how players operating in each category of innovation see the relative strengths and weaknesses of their approach and how this might change in the coming decade.
3. Identify how players operating in each category of innovation see the relative strengths and weaknesses of the approaches of other forms of social innovation and again, how this might change in the future.
4. Explore the implications for the pattern of resources that will be necessary to sustain each category of innovation and how strategy might need to evolve to ensure that funds continue to flow in an efficient and effective manner to enhancing human well-being.
5. Identify any regional differences that may emerge in relation to points (1) to (4).
6. Explore the implications for the key players involved in how they might prepare for likely future environments.