The Policy Paradox of Philanthropy: Accountability Mechanisms, Legitimacy and Policy Influence

This paper investigates the contradictory impact of philanthropists' lack of accountability on their policy influence. It conceptualizes a model to test the paradox where a lack of accountability mechanisms may enable philanthropists to strategically gain legitimacy and increase policy influence, yet paradoxically, it may also decrease their democratic legitimacy, thereby reducing their influence. The article analyzes philanthropists as policy network actors, highlighting the complex interplay between their structural characteristics and their capacity to shape policy.