A NEW ERA OF PHILANTHROPY
TEN PRACTICES TO TRANSFORM WEALTH INTO A MORE JUST AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
How We Fund in Times of Crisis and Opportunity
A blueprint for how wealth can be transformed into a more just and sustainable future in times of rapid change and crisis.
On the cusp of the greatest wealth transfer in history—with $84 trillion dollars moving between generations in the next 20 years—this book explores how philanthropy can be transformative, and transformed.
Can philanthropy be an anti-racist, feminist, relational, and joyful expression of solidarity?
This book argues that it not only can be—for the future we seek, and for philanthropy to achieve its greatest impact, it must be.
Nationally recognized philanthropic leader Dimple Abichandani revolutionizes the precepts of modern philanthropy. Offering 10 provocative practice shifts, A New Era of Philanthropy engages readers with fresh answers to the question of how philanthropy can meet this high-stakes moment—from reimagining governance to aligning investments to crisis funding and beyond.
Abichandani highlights paradigm shifts that model the way forward, moving beyond critique into real transformation, with relatable stories about funders who are forging a new era of philanthropy.
A New Era of Philanthropy picks up where key books like Decolonizing Wealth and Winners Take All leave off, offering a guide for donors, foundations, and non-profit leaders navigating philanthropy in urgent times. Clear-eyed, hopeful, and responsive to the moment, this book helps us reimagine the purpose and norms of modern philanthropy. It is an invitation to all of us who believe these resources can contribute to a more just future: start here.
PRAISE FOR
A NEW ERA OF PHILANTHROPY
“Through artful storytelling and concrete ideas, A New Era of Philanthropy gives the sector a hopeful path forward that … creates truly transformative change. A must-read for anyone in philanthropy, particularly those who question whether and how philanthropic resources can address the current, complex challenges our world faces.”
NICK TEDESCO
President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Center for Family Philanthropy
“Through expert storytelling and practical suggestions, Abichandani offers a powerful narrative that allows us to reimagine what philanthropy can be—and provides a path to get there.”
DAN HEATH
New York Times Bestselling Author of Made to Stick and Switch
“Dimple’s invitation is to engage, and—through practice—to transform philanthropy, and to be transformed in the process. As I read this book full of generous wisdom, storytelling, and guidance, I could palpably feel this New Era arriving.”
RAJASVINI BHANSALI
Executive Director of the Solidaire Network
“Dimple is the doula our sector has been waiting for, transitioning philanthropy from an outdated model to the potential and possibilities that meet the challenges of our world today.”
PHUONG QUACH
Principal at NPAG
“… a foundational text for everyone in philanthropy today. Dimple’s stories, frameworks, and exercises make sense of today while guiding us in the work we need to do for a future that is more just and equitable.”
SAYU BHOJWANI
Board Chair of the North Star Fund and Founder of Women's Democracy Lab, Author of People Like Us
“This book has the potential to transform everything we thought we knew about ‘philanthropy as usual.’”
REGAN PRITZKER
Co-President of the Libra Foundation and Co-Founder of the Kataly Foundation
“Nourishing, stimulating, and incisively sharp, A New Era embodies the creativity and connection that must guide philanthropy moving forward. Do yourself a favor and read this book.”
PIA INFANTE
Co-Executive Director, Trust-Based Philanthropy Project
“A beautiful, bold, and compelling invitation to reimagine philanthropy as we know it.”
SARITA GUPTA
Vice President of US Programs of the Ford Foundation
“A New Era is a gift for those committed to truth telling and using philanthropy as a tool to repair and build a more equitable society.”
EDGAR VILLANUEVA
Author of Decolonizing Wealth, Founder/CEO, Decolonizing Wealth Project and Liberated Capital
“Dimple Abichandani challenges us to imagine how foundations and donors can break from conventional practices and instead catalyze deeper, transformative change to foster a thriving multiracial democracy, repair past harms, and create a sustainable future.… she proposes a new blueprint for philanthropy that meets the moment.”
DON CHEN
President of the Surdna Foundation
“…a must-read. Dimple describes how philanthropists cling to old assumptions and practices that curtail effectiveness…. she offers interactive prompts we can use to excise what’s not working and begin to rebuild philanthropy from the ground up.”
CRYSTAL HAYLING
Inside Philanthropy's 2021 Foundation Leader of the Year
One of Inside Philanthropy's 2023 50 Most Powerful Women in Philanthropy
”one of the most important reads of the year.”
MARCUS F. WALTON
President & CEO of GEO, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations