Philanthropisms
Philanthropisms is the podcast that puts philanthropy in context. Through conversations with expert guests and deep dives into topics, host Rhodri Davies explores giving throughout history, the key trends shaping generosity around the world today and what the future might hold for philanthropy. Contact: rhodri@whyphilanthropymatters.com.
Philanthropisms
Marina Jones: The history of fundraising
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Rhodri Davies
In this episode we talk to Marina Jones, Executive Director of Development & Public Affairs at the English National Opera and project lead on the history of fundraising for the fundraising think tank Rogare. Including:
- Why is a historical perspective on fundraising valuable?
- Is fundraising a particularly hidden part of the history of charity/philanthropy? If so, why?
- Are there useful practical lessons modern fundraisers can learn from their historical counterparts about techniques and approaches that work?
- Are there relevant historical lessons about some of the potential ethical issues that arise from fundraising?
- Can we find useful historical precedents for some of the recurrent criticisms of fundraising?
- How have fundraisers harnessed new communications technologies throughout history (e.g. printing, radio, telegraph, TV)?
- What role has commemoration and recognition of donors played in the history of fundraising?
- How have celebrities been used for fundraising purposes throughout history
- How far back can we trace the idea of using commercial approaches to raise money for charity?
- What role did fundraising play in bringing women further into the public sphere?
- What can we learn from portrayals of philanthropy and fundraising in literature or popular culture?
Related links:
- Rogare's history of fundraising project
- Timelines of fundraising history: the classical world (1000BCE-475CE), The Middle Ages (476-1499), Modern era (1500-1899), 20th and 21st century
- Marina's blog
- Scott Cutlip's seminal 1965 book Fund Raising in the United States: Its role in America's Philanthropy (available to borrow on Internet Archive).
- WPM timeline of UK Philanthropy
- Rhod's 2016 book Public Good by Private Means: How philanthropy shapes Britain
- Philanthropisms interview with Ian MacQuillin from Rogare
- Philanthropisms episodes on philanthropy and music; gratitude and recognition; and tainted donations