Philanthropy in an Era of Populist Politics

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In this episode we consider the rise of political populism across the world, the impact this is having on philanthropy and civil society, and what the response might be. Including:

• What are the key features of populist politics?
• Has philanthropy played a role in creating the current populist moment?
• How are funders and NGOs in the US responding to populist attacks on their legitimacy? Are these challenges set to intensify?
• Can and should philanthropic funders step in to cover gaps left by government withdrawal?
• Should funders and nonprofits vocally stand up for principles of social justice, DEI and climate concern in the face of political pressure, or take a pragmatic decision to keep quiet but continue their work?
• Is it possible to maintain civil society pluralism in the face of political populism?
• Where do populist and progressive critiques of philanthropy overlap?
• How should funders and charities in the UK respond to right-wing populism and the rise of Reform?
• Can civil society organsiations create spaces that bring polarised communities together?
• What lessons should funders and nonprofits be taking from populist attacks, without simply lending further weight to them?

Further Resources

• Chronicle of Philanthropy 17 Sept 2025, "100-Plus Foundations Stand United as White House Goes on the Attack"
• Michael Hartmann & William Schambra's 2025 HistPhil article, "The New Populist Conservatism and Civil Society"
• David Callahan's Inside Philanthropy piece "Philanthropy’s Identity Focus Strengthens the Right. Is There Another Way?", and Tynesha McHarris's response, "Retreating on Identity Will Not Unify Us"
• Report on the rise of anti-rights funding across Europe
• Ted Lechterman's 2017 piece "Is Populist Criticism of Philanthropy Justified?"
• Kristin Goss (2007) "Foundations of Feminism: How philanthropic patrons shaped gender politics" 
• WPM article on "Philanthropy at a time of chaos"
• Philanthropisms episode on pluralism, and interviews with Daniel Stid, Farai Chideya and Elizabeth Barajas-Román.