Philanthropy Reflections – from the 2017 Philanthropy Innovation Summit

Every two years, the Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society hosts a Philanthropy Innovation Summit. At this day-long event, peer philanthropists, Stanford faculty, scholars, and leaders share their inspiration and expertise, authentic stories of successes and struggles, and results-oriented approaches to social change. At this international convening, individual and family philanthropists connect in order to brainstorm with one another, leverage Stanford PACS research to catalyze effective philanthropy, and take away actionable ideas, best practices, new strategies, and new networks with which to amplify one’s impact as a philanthropist.

This collection of articles, written by individuals at the Philanthropy Innovation Summit, expresses key themes, learnings, and questions that emerged throughout the day. By sharing these reflections, we hope philanthropists and social change leaders around the world will be better informed and even more motivated to leverage strategic philanthropy in tackling society’s most pressing challenges.