"Catalytic Philanthropy" by Mark Kramer (Post #3)

This week I’ll be reviewing an article from the Fall 2009 issue of the Stanford Social Innovation Review by Mark R. Kramer entitled “Catalytic Philanthropy.” It is an inspiring look at donor commitment to a cause and the difference this can make. This is the THIRD in a series of posts.

Kramer draws some very bright and useful lines between conventional philanthropy, venture philanthropy, and catalytic philanthropy. Whereas conventional and venture philanthropy both invest in nonprofits and leave the problem solving to them, catalytic philanthropy is taken on by the funder, who assumes ultimate responsibility for the outcome.

As Kramer defines it, catalytic philanthropy is really social campaigning for a desired outcome. It includes funding to grease the skids of change, but that funding does not always go to traditional nonprofits and is therefore not “philanthropy” in any common understanding of the word. Rather, the funding for “catalytic philanthropy” fuels the campaign, keeps it going, motivates participants and attracts new ones, all towards the goal of addressing a societal problem.

Kramer provides a very thought provoking look at the process of mobilizing and sustaining a campaign for social change. It takes building coalitions, reaching out to all stakeholders and securing their participation, and funding unconventional methods and techniques to keep the whole thing moving. In summary, it takes patience, persistence and passion. It takes someone who is, or can grow to become, a true champion for a cause.

Margaret Mead once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Catalytic philanthropy is a new spin on this not so new piece of wisdom.

And it all starts by asking “What do I care about, and who else in the room cares about that too?”