Author Archive:

Michael Alberg-Seberich

Conference reports Michael Alberg-Seberich 4 June 2018

The Global Philanthropy Environment Index 2018 – A storm front ahead in Europe?

In Bob Dylan’s song Subterranean Homesick Blues it says “You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows…” Well, in philanthropy we at least need a weatherperson to map the environment overall …

Book review Michael Alberg-Seberich 29 May 2018

‘How Great Philanthropists Failed and You Can Succeed at Protecting Your Legacy’ by Martin Morse Wooster

Reviewed by Michael Alberg-Seberich This is the fourth edition of a book that in the past had the title The Great Philanthropists and the Problem of ‘Donor Intent’. No doubt, donor intent is a crucial …

Book review Michael Alberg-Seberich 6 March 2018

‘Philanthropy in Practice – Pragmatism and the impact of philanthropic action’ by Ekkehard Thümler

Reviewed by Michael Alberg-Seberich This book is like a Matterhorn expedition in the world of philanthropy. As in mountaineering, you need to be prepared for a steep ascent when the author, German scholar, Ekkehard Thümler, …

Book review Michael Alberg-Seberich 5 December 2017

‘The Philanthropic Mind’ by Chuck English and Mo Lidsky – Reviewed by Michael Alberg-Seberich

This book is an express introduction to private philanthropy in Canada – a country that, so far, has not been on the radar in most works on private giving. Fundraising and marketing adviser Chuck English …

Conference reports Michael Alberg-Seberich 20 November 2017

The need for guiding lights

Oslo is a beautiful, welcoming but also a bit dim city at this time of the year. The shrinking amount of daylight hours in Northern Europe in fall made it fitting to use the motto …

Conference reports Michael Alberg-Seberich 26 October 2017

The magic of listening

It is the same conference setting as usual in philanthropy around the world. Still something has changed at this year’s symposium of Philanthropic Foundations Canada (PFC) in Montreal. There is a sense of change in …

Opinion Michael Alberg-Seberich and Diya Khanna 30 November 2016

Neighbors in values: philanthropy and civil society across borders

This article originally appeared on The Center for Effective Philanthropy‘s blog, on 29 November 2016. The original article can be found here> Bob Dylan reminds us that “the times they are a-changing.” That very change …

Conference reports Michael Alberg-Seberich 9 November 2016

Reconciliation as a driver for engaged philanthropy

From 1st till 3rd November,  the members of Philanthropic Foundations Canada (PFC) gathered for their bi-annual conference in Vancouver. From an outsider’s perspective, this was not the usual philanthropy conference. It was a very thoughtful, energetic …

Opinion Michael Alberg-Seberich 21 March 2016

Merge and invest: The new face of corporate philanthropy

On the 7th of March 2016 BMW celebrated its 100th birthday by looking at the future of cars and mobility. They also announced two significant decisions for corporate citizenship and philanthropy in Europe: The merger …

Conference reports 1 Michael Alberg-Seberich 25 February 2016

Giving Beneficiaries a Voice: Youth Giving and Grantmaking

Youth Philanthropy is the key to raising future philanthropists and inspiring them to become active citizens. Young people have time, knowhow, and creativity to give, as well as financial funds, particularly when they become grantmakers. …