Exploring Justice Philanthropy: New Special Issue of ERNOP Research Notes
What does it mean to pursue justice through philanthropy?
A new Special Issue of ERNOP Research Notes, developed in collaboration with Philea for the Philea Forum and published in June 2025, explores this evolving and often contested terrain. Titled “Exploring Justice Philanthropy”, the issue brings together a diverse range of academic and practitioner perspectives on how philanthropy might engage more directly with questions of justice, power, and accountability.
Rethinking Philanthropy
Edited by Tobias Jung (University of St Andrews), Sevda Kilicalp (Philea), Barry Hoolwerf (ERNOP) and Lucia Patuzzi (Philea), the issue does not offer a single definition or model. Instead, it provides a collection of concise and accessible research notes that encourage reflection, critical dialogue, and new ways of thinking about philanthropy’s role in society.
Contributions address:
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Conceptual, legal and historical foundations of justice in philanthropy
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Ethical and philosophical tensions around discretion and power
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Applied models and case studies in racial equity, sustainability, and community-led approaches
Read and Reflect
This issue aims to serve as a resource for those seeking to better understand and engage with justice-oriented philanthropy. It encourages further contributions, experimentation and critical engagement across Europe and beyond.