Social justice, liberalism and philanthropy: the tensions and limitations of British foundations

This chapter explores the role of British philanthropic foundations in advancing social justice, analyzing ideological tensions between liberalism and equity-based frameworks. The authors examine how foundations navigate expectations of neutrality while confronting structural inequalities. Using examples from British funding organizations, they assess the limitations and contradictions inherent in philanthropic practice, particularly concerning issues of race, class, and power. It discusses how philanthropic organizations engage with social justice, especially in international development.