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Letters
Systems change must come in from the margins
I enjoyed Julian Corner’s lead article on systems change and philanthropy (Alliance, March 2019). It’s great to see a funder engaging with their place in the system and calling out the paradoxes in ‘seeking to …
Constructive critiques are to be embraced
I applaud the focus on Rob Reich’s structural critique of philanthropy in your last issue (Alliance, March 2019). Your editorial also mentions another high profile recent critique –Anand Giridharadas’s Winners Take All, which was reviewed …
Should philanthropy rock the boat? Not so fast!
I generally agree with Julian Corner’s article on the relationship between systems change and philanthropy (Alliance, March 2019). Philanthropy is indeed in a unique position to support changing the system by virtue of its independence, …
The bigger picture lying behind royal philanthropy
I appreciate Alliance focusing on the philanthropy of royal families around the world (December 2018) because in order for philanthropy to be effective and accountable, it does need to be scrutinised. Several articles in the issue ask …
Power is a complex issue
The Alliance editorial and lead article introducing the issue on Royal Philanthropy raised thoughtful questions about covering some of the most consequential donors in the world: royalty. Yes, there are very specific power dynamics when …
Fascinating insight into working at scale
I enjoyed reading the interview with James Chen (December 2018). James’ steadfast approach to philanthropy, leveraging deep domain expertise to catalyse social impacts is worth emulating by those who seek to do good outside of …
Open your black books
It excites me no end when I see what can be achieved without a personal agenda. When Charles Keidan mentioned in passing that the September 2018 edition of Alliance would look in-depth at Muslim philanthropy, …
Harnessing the power of Muslim giving
In the most recent issue of Alliance magazine (September 2018), guest editor Yunus Sola suggested that the value of Muslim giving was $1 trillion a year. While actual figures are hard to find, if this …
Forward-thinking is the way ahead
The expert insight into the current state of Muslim philanthropy, as interpreted in Tariq Cheema’s Muslim philanthropy at the crossroads (September 2018), accurately captured many of the opinions I heard at the recent Global Donors …
Infrastructure is a central challenge
Muslim philanthropy, like all philanthropy occurring through foundations, trusts and donor networks, shares the critical concerns of philanthropic action worldwide. Yet as global philanthropy gains visibility, Muslim philanthropy faces unique challenges, while often facing levels …
