OLBIOS NETWORK FOR ACTION
OLBIOS FOUNDATION
for EXCELLENCE
Rethinking philanthropy
Much of the work of philanthropy is undeniably beneficial and its results are often impressive, Still, some of the orthodoxies of philanthropy remain unquestioned. We believe that rethinking them could lead to dramatic improvements that will yield substantial benefits for individuals and communities.
On this page you will discover how the OLBIOS model of philanthropy questions some of philanthropy’s major tenets and practices. You will also read about what OLBIOS proposes as an alternative model and how this can be applied.
THE PROPOSALS
(Applying the Principles)
01
CROWD
PHILANTHROPY
With the collaboration of our various research and evaluation experts, we will gradually create an open source Online World Data Catalogue identifying candidates whose exceptional potential puts them in a position to receive support for their initiatives and projects. 02
THE CONNECTIVITY
MODEL
Candidates will receive support from the entire network and partners of the OLBIOS Foundation, which will make the first donation.
Two options will be available:
First, to create or scale up positive impact projects on the single condition that they mobilise their own network to this end. Second, they can apply for support for their individual projects (for example their studies).
For this second option candidates will be also be supported from our entire network. The only condition here is that they choose a social impact organisation and volunteer at it on an ongoing basis, while mobilising their own network to support the same or other initiatives: this way every thread will be connected to the entire fabric.
03
DECENTRALISED, EXPERIMENTAL,
CELLULAR PHILANTHROPY
We disseminate the OLBIOS model through our Regional & National hubs in all the countries, cities, communities that are interested in adopting it. National and local branches are stepping in, resulting in community led development and ownership of the solutions. In this way it will be possible to also support disruptive ideas and early stage initiatives, resolving the tremendous problem of potentially world changing ideas never receiving the slightest support from any Foundation, company, government or individual donors before they are already established and proven successful – which is when they need such support the least.
04
TOOLS FOR KNOWLEDGE + NETWORKING + FUNDS
The OLBIOS FOUNDATION is actively linked with the knowledge Hub of the JOURNAL, which was created specifically to offer international visibility to all projects and their creators, the network of our COMMUNITY that will connect social change-makers and with anyone willing to support them and /or developing their own social action themselves, and our SOCIAL FUND, structured to host several awareness, crowdfunding and impact investing campaigns. 05
ALL SECTORS,
AMBITIOUS,
GLOBAL OUTREACH The OLBIOS JOURNAL which covers all sectors and throws the spotlight on projects from all countries. Candidates for the OLBIOS FOUNDATION for EXCELLENCE can be dedicated to any sector of social activity, from any country, independently of age, gender, religious faith, sexual orientation and social background. The only condition we insist on is that projects and proposals have the potential positive impact of their proposals. At the same time, in keeping with the idea that ethical issues are of the utmost importance in public decision making, the OLBIOS Foundation is supported by its own Ethics Advisory Group, created specifically to address this urgent need for ethics. (link)
06
RADICALLY VISIBLE
& EPONYMOUS
Visibility of Donors will for once be as important as follow up on the projects and their founders. Our aim is to publish monthly reports on progress and inform all supporters of grantees and recipients of support.
We will also invite them to brainstorm with each other and receive feedback on how to improve and scale up their work. Annual Telethons of Excellence will be organised to invite the communities themselves in every country to decide by themselves which people and initiatives in their own country are worthy to be supported.
07
SYNERGISTIC
& COLLABORATIVE
We will invite other foundations, NGOs, companies, (local) institutions or governments to step in and work with us on creating various local and national Mentors & Donors clusters. Only if all potential stakeholders are invited to join will the philanthropic endeavour become authentic and democratic but also open to new approaches, new ideas and new insights.
Events focused on such ideas, proposals and solutions on various fields will be organised following on model of the OLBIOS Institute (link) 08
PHILANTHROPY
RESEARCH LAB
A specific Think Tank has been created for that purpose at the OLBIOS JOURNAL, in order to host opinions and contributions from experts all over the world. It is currently dedicating a first special edition on ‘The Future of Philanthropy’. (screenshot)
THE PRINCIPLES
01
ELITE GIVING
Who is targeted by the severe
criticism on philanthropy?
THE CHALLENGE
This criticism seems to be exclusively focused on billionaire philanthropists and exceptionally wealthy foundations by arguing that public virtue and the sense of meaningful gratification that comes from giving has become the monopoly of a small elite. Is it possible to broaden this ‘privilege’ and introduce other decision makers on issues such as who does the giving, who is receiving it, why and how?
OUR PROPOSAL arrow_forward02
THE CHARITY OR
BUSINESS MODEL
Can we go beyond short term effects and treating only the symptoms, even if efficiently?
THE CHALLENGE
The charity mindset has always been ideal for immediate & short term effects. The business mindset of the « New philanthropy » possesses advantages of accuracy and efficiency of measurement and impact evaluation. But we believe that there is a new form of philanthropy that we all need. This would involve acting beyond compassion for the needy and the ‘return on investment’ mentality, and defining a new ethical framework of what the authentic philanthropic gesture should be about.
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POWER IMBALANCE Can we overcome the standard model of philanthropic giving as a transaction
between the powerful helper and the powerless helped?
THE CHALLENGE
The existing or standard philanthropic models are unable to address this fundamental issue of this radical power asymmetry. If the essential philanthropic scheme is always between the wealthy and the needy, the ‘needy’, disadvantaged beneficiary remains by definition unable to influence the terms of the received ‘gift’ , risking subjection to the benefactors’ power . A new philanthropic model must therefore avoid any such paternalistic and judgmental approach.
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CENTRALIZED & NUCLEAR PHILANTHROPY,
RISK AVERSE Can we create systems of giving that are not fundamentally conservative and risk-averse?
THE CHALLENGE
Foundations on the whole may seem to be set up as rigid, heavy, slow to operate institutions that are often conservative and risk averse, driven by slow decision-making processes and unnecessarily complex rules. OUR PROPOSAL arrow_forward05
LACK OF
SUPPORTIVE TOOLS
Could philanthropy provide knowledge, connectivity and different types of support?
THE CHALLENGE
We believe it is decisive for Foundations to benefit from the major advances in technology adding tools that prepare, accompany and improve philanthropic action. Such tools should be knowledge hubs, multiple networking benefits and varied funding possibilities. As such they make possible the involvement of members of the general public interested in the causes supported by the Foundation. OUR PROPOSAL arrow_forward06
ONE SECTOR LIMITED, UNAMBITIOUS
Is it possible to overcome the one issue dedication and working in isolation?
THE CHALLENGE
It seems impossible to work intersectional without studying the different sectors and realising to what extent they are interconnected. For example, disability issues include politics, the economy, education, public health, human rights, and culture and thus need stakeholders from all these fields in order for solutions and new ideas to emerge and be effective.
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INVISIBLE & ANONYMOUS
Is it acceptable or even legitimate that 90% of American Foundations do not have a website? THE CHALLENGE
It seems inappropriate that the public and private sector can be held accountable but for some reasons philanthropy can eventually enjoy secrecy and work within society in anonymous ways. The Donor Advised Funds system for instance clearly sends out all the wrong signals. Philanthropy cannot act to the benefit of the public but take place behind closed doors. OUR PROPOSAL arrow_forward08
ISOLATED & ANTAGONISITIC Is it possible to extend the reach of multiple effective partnerships?
THE CHALLENGE
Every and any foundation is too small related to the gravity and number of unsolved global problems. Still, collaborative teamwork is rare and rarely goes beyond information sharing and grant coordination. Donor collaboration must have priority over recognition and prestige for single foundations or individuals. Whether charities are large or small, they could work to tackle deeply-rooted and systemic issues. This means we need a diverse ecosystem of organisations of all types and sizes to play their part together and alongside each other.
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PHILANTHROPISTS WITHOUT THE NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS
Who is qualified, who is authorised and by whom, to decide how philanthropy should function?
THE CHALLENGE
We should all challenge the fact that vast amounts of philanthropic funds moving within our society are dependent on the decisions of finance experts, businessmen, sales managers and marketing directors,. As it is surprisingly the case with government officials, often, these have no directly relevant educational background, training and expertise to deal with the issues, while they are nevertheless setting the agenda of social priorities around these precise issues. Sometimes it seems that businessmen take it upon themselves to fix, for instance, our public health systems, but imagine if society trusted medical doctors to build roads and engineers to practice surgery.
OUR PROPOSAL arrow_forward
