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New Avenues in Philanthropy

Co-hosted with EMpower - The Emerging Markets Foundation, this three-part series explores the evolving contours and boundaries of the philanthropic space.

1. Philanthropy and Finance - donor journeys over time

Our first discussion explored the connection between philanthropy and the financial services industry, both individual and corporate donors.

The discussion, moderated by Stephan Chambers, featured insights from Jeremy Llewellyn, Nisha Dhawan, and Ayesha Latif.

Among the fascinating points raised were:

  • The possibility of mapping financial principles onto public benefit
  • The capacity for philanthropy to embrace innovative models
  • The power of the financial sector to leverage more philanthropic capital
  • The importance of trust based, locally led, and long-term funding

2. Spotlight on Asian Philanthropy

This conversation focused on the nature of Asian philanthropy, bringing together funders to speak about the trajectory and dynamics of philanthropy in Asia. In a 75-minute online session, we unpacked the similarities, differences, growth edges, and learnings from philanthropic models across Asia. Moderated by Swatee Deepak, the panel offered insights from

  • Aleem Jivraj, COO Nomura
  • Radhika Bharat Ram, Karm Trust + EMpower Board
  • Naghma Mulla, CEO Edelgive
  • Rohini Nilekani, Nilekani Philanthropies
  • Sheryl Fofaria, Head of Social Impact & Philanthropy, South East Asia UBS
  • Brian San, Co-Secretary General, Institute of Philanthropy

3. From Diagnosis to Solution: The Role of Intermediaries in Strengthening Local Ecosystems

This conversation will focus on the escalating geopolitical uncertainty and a sharp contraction in Official Development Assistance (ODA) and how the development and philanthropy sectors are grappling with how to continue advancing equitable, sustainable change. Amidst growing consensus on the importance of supporting local leadership and community-based solutions, a vital question remains: how do we move beyond rhetoric to practical action?

This webinar responds to that urgent call for solutions. It will spotlight intermediaries as critical actors that can take in large-scale capital and responsibly channel it to community-based organizations (CBOs), enabling long-term, flexible, and locally relevant funding. When done well, intermediaries don’t just fill a gap—they build resilient ecosystems. Through a dynamic panel, and referencing Olivia’s most recent SSIR article, we will surface the real-world practices, success stories, and lessons that demonstrate the value of this model—and the need to get it right.