Participatory decision-making in contested societies: Examples from the field of community philanthropy

Kilmurray investigates participatory grantmaking models in Northern Ireland and Palestine, demonstrating how empowering local decision-makers fosters trust, enhances social cohesion, and ensures greater contextual responsiveness. She assesses community experiences and the roles of institutional actors, illustrating how this participatory model adds significant value within politically contested contexts. The study highlights the effectiveness of community-led philanthropy in building resilience and addressing complex societal challenges in conflict-affected regions.