Keynote by Liv Egholm (Copenhagen Business School)
Under the theme, “Philanthropy for the People, by the People? The Roles, Organisations and Motivations of Philanthropy in Contemporary Democracies and Social Structures,” the keynote will examine the relationships between philanthropy, welfare-state regimes, and governance structures, with particular attention to and its place in addressing societal challenges/ transformations.
By exploring the diverse roles philanthropy has played and currently plays—both as a complement to and as a challenge for public institutions and the welfare state—the session will highlight its potential to foster social cohesion and transformation, while also addressing the risk of unintended consequences that may exacerbate inequalities. The keynote will draw on theoretical perspectives and practical examples, ensuring relevance for both academic scholars and professionals from the philanthropic and civil society sectors.
With its focus on connecting research with practice, the keynote will be of interest to the conference’s diverse audience of participants from across Europe and beyond. The session will serve as an opportunity to consider the future of philanthropy’s contribution to democratic societies and its place in addressing societal challenges.
About Liv Egholm
Liv Egholm is deeply invested in exploring how societies conceptualize, administrate, and enact “the common good” and how this notion evolves into civil action and organization over time. Her research focuses on foundations, philanthropy, gift-giving practices, and civil society organizations, providing insights into the mechanisms of social inclusion and exclusion involved in these processes. This work is vital for understanding the structures and dynamics that have shaped, and continue to shape, societal organizations and actions across historical, contemporary, and future contexts.
Currently, Liv is engaged in two major projects:
Civic Governance and Leading of Alliances: This project examines collaborative practices within new cross-sectoral alliances. It investigates how these alliances influence internal cooperation and their ability to address societal challenges effectively.
The Role of Civil Society Organizations and Social Movements: This project explores how civil society organizations and social movements engage with specific issues and societal problems, highlighting their impact on collective action and problem resolution.
Liv’s work contributes significantly to academic and practical discussions surrounding civil society, “the common good,” philanthropic practices, and the concept of temporality. Her theoretical and methodological approach is grounded in a relational-processual perspective, drawing inspiration from cultural sociology, pragmatism, and historical analysis. Through this lens, she provides a nuanced understanding of the complexities of civil action and societal governance.