[Research Seminar] ICOR: “Philanthropy for systems change: An exploration study” A. GAUTIER – ESSEC
Speaker: Arthur GAUTHIER
ESSEC
Date and Location – Tuesday December 3rd 2023 from 10:30 to 12:00
in Paris campus (L712) and on Zoom
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ABSTRACT
For the past eight years, there has been a rising interest for systems change among social sector practitioners aiming to tackle entrenched social problems. Relatedly, criticism has targeted grantmaking foundations for failing to support “changemakers” engaged in systemic approaches due to inappropriate funding practices.
Recommendations for funding systems change and shifting the status quo in philanthropy are surging. However, we know little about foundation executives’ representations and practices regarding systems change. In this exploratory study combining in-depth interviews (n=15) and a survey (n=101) with leaders of large French foundations, I reveal important gaps between a marked interest for systems change and current funding practices. I present six key obstacles and discuss the challenges of diffusing systems change philanthropy more widely, in particular among certain foundation types.
