Exploring ‘place-based’ initiatives in philanthropic community development: A transnational examination of Canadian and US Foundations

Resource type
Authors/contributors
Title
Exploring ‘place-based’ initiatives in philanthropic community development: A transnational examination of Canadian and US Foundations
Abstract
Though the concept of place-based philanthropy is common parlance in community development scholarship and practice, there is still uncertainty around its meaning due to the multidisciplinary nature of its study and definitional variation among and between scholars and practitioners. This article presents findings from a recently edited volume created by a binational research team. Ten cases of philanthropic initiatives were explored to develop a transnational understanding of foundation engagement in place-based philanthropy. Place-based philanthropy was explored by considering collaboration with other stakeholders, initiative evaluation, systems change efforts, and issues of power, equity, and justice. Our findings suggest that place-based philanthropy among foundations is heterogeneous. While some foundations adhere to traditional forms of place-based philanthropy, others are pushing the boundaries of this type of work. This article urges both academics and practitioners to reimagine place-based philanthropy for transformative purposes.
Publication
Local Development & Society
Publisher
Routledge
Date
2024-01-02
Volume
5
Issue
1
Pages
181-199
Accessed
24/02/2026, 00:08
ISSN
2688-3597
Short Title
Exploring ‘place-based’ initiatives in philanthropic community development
Library Catalogue
Taylor and Francis+NEJM
Citation
Newton, J., Rabinowitz Bussell, M., Martinez-Cosio, M., Pole, N., & Fontan, J.-M. (2024). Exploring ‘place-based’ initiatives in philanthropic community development: A transnational examination of Canadian and US Foundations. Local Development & Society, 5(1), 181–199. https://doi.org/10.1080/26883597.2024.2314668