The Rundown - A look at Philanthropic Giving in China - June 9, 2023
Technology has caused major changes in Chinese Philanthropy as they stay true to their shared values.
One of the aspects of writing and creating this newsletter that I absolutely love is the international reach and flavor that this publication has earned. Believe it or not, this publication is read across 33 different countries on all six continents. What this means, is that The Rundown not only has the creative license, but really, the responsibility to look at how philanthropy is practiced across the globe.
Looking at how philanthropy exists in other cultural contexts not only gives us a deeper understanding of our world, but there may actually be some different practices or trends that we might see here. It’s in that spirit of exploration that I recently ran across this article in Forbes; "Internet Philanthropy and a New Generation of Giving in China" explores the evolving landscape of philanthropy in China, focusing on the emergence of internet-based platforms and the changing mindset of younger Chinese donors. This review provides an analysis of the article, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, and a comparison of philanthropic practices in Western Europe and the United States; the places where most of our domestic and international audieces are located.
The article by Christopher Marquis begins by discussing the rise of internet-based philanthropy platforms in China, such as Tencent's "99 Giving Day" and Alibaba's "Ant Love Charity," which have revolutionized the way individuals engage in charitable giving. Marquis makes the point that these platforms have democratized philanthropy, making it more accessible and engaging for a new generation of donors. The inclusion of statistics and success stories from these platforms adds credibility to the author's claims and demonstrates the transformative impact of internet philanthropy in China.
Moreover, the article sheds light on the changing mindset of younger Chinese philanthropists who are actively engaging in charitable activities. It highlights the influence of technology and social media in mobilizing these donors, allowing them to participate in causes they care about and amplify their impact. The article effectively emphasizes the role of technology in fostering a sense of community and collective action among Chinese philanthropists.
In his writing, Marquis successfully provides a nuanced understanding of internet-based philanthropy in China. The article explores the motivations behind this new generation of donors, citing factors such as increased wealth, exposure to social issues, and a desire for social change. The author also delves into the unique characteristics of Chinese philanthropy, including the influence of traditional Chinese values and the government's evolving approach to charitable giving. These insights contribute to a comprehensive picture of the philanthropic landscape in China.
It should go noting that Marquis’ work could benefit from a deeper analysis of the potential challenges and limitations associated with internet philanthropy in China. It briefly touches upon concerns regarding transparency, accountability, and the effectiveness of these platforms but does not explore them in detail. Addressing these issues would have provided a more balanced view of the topic.
It would be helpful to try to make some comparison between philanthropic practices between those in China and those in Western Europe and the United States. When making those comparisons, it is important to note that both regions share a strong culture of giving. However, there are notable differences in the mechanisms and attitudes towards philanthropy.
In Western Europe, the concept of social welfare is deeply ingrained, and the role of the state in addressing social issues is significant. As a result, philanthropy in Western Europe often complements government efforts and focuses on filling gaps or supporting specific causes. There is a tradition of large-scale foundations and high-net-worth individuals driving philanthropy in the region. Additionally, European countries tend to have higher levels of taxation and social safety nets, which can influence individual giving patterns.
On the other hand, the United States has a long-standing tradition of philanthropy rooted in individualism and a sense of personal responsibility. Philanthropy in the U.S. is characterized by a diverse range of actors, including foundations, corporations, and individual donors. The tax incentives for charitable giving in the U.S. have been instrumental in fostering a philanthropic culture. American donors often take an active role in shaping and leading philanthropic initiatives, and there is a strong emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and measurable impact.
While both Western Europe and the United States have robust philanthropic sectors, they differ in terms of scale, institutional infrastructure, and the extent to which philanthropy is seen as a complementary or alternative mechanism to government intervention. These differences can be attributed to historical, cultural, and socio-economic factors. Understanding these nuances is crucial for appreciating the diverse approaches to philanthropy worldwide.
"Internet Philanthropy and a New Generation of Giving in China" provides valuable insights into the changing landscape of philanthropy in China, with a specific focus on internet-based platforms and the rise of young donors. The article effectively highlights the transformative impact of technology and social media in mobilizing and engaging Chinese philanthropists.
While the article could have delved deeper into the potential challenges associated with internet philanthropy in China. Nevertheless, it presents a comprehensive view of philanthropy in China and contributes to the understanding of global philanthropic trends.
Overall, the article presents a compelling exploration of internet philanthropy in China and contributes to the broader discussion on the evolving nature of philanthropy in the digital age and is well worth your time reading and understanding.
The Weekly Notebook
A few notes and ideas of things I am seeing and hearing on the nonprofit world.
Your Help is Requested
I received a message from an Ohio University student that is doing a survey of nonprofit leaders for a school project! Here was her message:
I am a student at Ohio University and recently completed a research paper titled "The Correlation of Management Styles and Their Effectiveness for Successful Nonprofits" for my research class. I am now embarking on my capstone project. For this project, I am surveying to analyze further the relationship between management styles and the success of nonprofit organizations.
I am contacting you today to request your assistance in this important endeavor. Your participation in this survey will provide valuable insights and contribute to my research's overall validity and reliability. The survey is anonymous, and your responses will be strictly confidential.
I kindly ask you and all directors, managers and supervisors within your organization to take a few minutes of your time to complete the survey by June 10. And, if could help a bit more, please forward this survey onto your other contacts in the nonprofit world to help my reach. I need at least 100 responses and right now I have 46. Your input will be invaluable in helping me draw accurate conclusions and make meaningful recommendations for nonprofit management practices.
A Shameless Plug for Self-Promotion
A few weeks ago, I had the chance to sit on a zoom call to talk with David Schwab of Fundraise to put together an episode of his “Not Stop Nonprofit” Podcast. This was a wonderful opportunity to talk shop. You can hear the episode and learn more about the podcast here.
A Shameless Plug for Self-Promotion (Part Two)
I recently started a new substack that is focusing on my work here in my hometown of Troy, Ohio. As you may know, I recently ran for Mayor of my hometown and narrowly lost the primary election by 31 votes.
While it isn’t the outcome that I would have hoped for, there was a lot of positive energy that was ignited and is still burning bright. I started the Civic Capacity substack to steward that positive energy into productive conversations about our community.
Please check it out and let me know what you think! You can find it here:
Now Hiring!
I have a nonprofit in Sidney, Ohio that has reached out to me looking for a new Executive Director. I can tell you that this a very strong organization that needs leadership that has strong entrepreneurial and staff management skills. If you have any interest, please drop me a line at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com and let’s talk!
If you or your nonprofit would like to advertise a job opening here, please shoot me an email at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com
How Can We Work Together?
Did you know that Pinnacle Strategies works individually with nonprofit and public sector leaders to help them solve problems, achieve goals and gain confidence in their roles?
Why?
Because, this work is hard and it’s often a lonely road. Our nonprofit and public sector leaders need people that they can talk to to get solid advice and encouragement to do the work that is in front of them. If you feel that this can be of value to you, or a member of your team, please reach out to pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com and let’s talk.
Ready to Learn Something New?
One of the prettiest cities in the Midwest is Indianapolis and travelling there can open a perfect opportunity to sharpen your skills and meet new professionals in the field. I would encourage you to look at some of the offerings of The Fund Raising School at the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University’s campus in Indianapolis. The professional development school has great programming both on-line and in-person both in Indianapolis and at other sites across the country. Take a look at their course offerings here!
Online Learning Options from Texas A&M Announced
If travelling for professional development isn’t in the cards (or the budget), the Center for Nonprofits at Texas A&M University has some great offerings! I recently enrolled in one of their certificate programs and really enjoyed the online format and the online discussions that were developed. It was time and money well spent and I would highly recommend this program, especially for early or mid-career professionals. The next session begins in early February and you can learn more here!
Other Ways to Connect
Our coaching practice has openings and it has been a blast working with nonprofit leaders all across the country! If you are interested in working with me to get your nonprofit organization on a track to achieve the big missions you have, please reach out to me at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com.
Here are some other ways you can keep in contact with Pinnacle Strategies!
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