Enterprise Philanthropy: Going Beyond the Bounds of Tradition
Enterprise has a critical role to play in poverty reduction. One of the key debates currently is whether international development has outgrown traditional aid and donations. Indeed a key element of the upcoming round of Sustainable Development Goals is the reduction of poverty through enterprise.
Philanthropy is changing. Influential donors, whether private philanthropists or foundations, internationally, are contributing not only significant gifts but also skills and expertise from their experience in the private sector, to developing countries. But how do philanthropists prioritise their donations and what exactly do recipient beneficiaries need to effect change? What role can enterprise philanthropy play in creating sustainable, scalable solutions to poverty? Is there still a place for traditional philanthropy? What practical challenges are presented by enterprise philanthropy?
The panel will discuss these issues and crucially, who is taking the risk in transitioning progressive SMEs into sustainable businesses. The panel will debate the relative advantages and drawback of traditional philanthropy vs more enterprising initiatives coming from private, academic and technological sectors.
This event is developed in partnership with Oxfam
Panel: Mark Goldring, Oxfam; George Petty, Venture South; Chris West, Sumerian Partners; Jonathan Barnow, TechnoServe; Nick Mason, BeyondMe