Using Lessons From Public Affairs to Inform Strategic Philanthropy

This article proposes a new framework for philanthropic strategy, drawing lessons from decades of public affairs research. It argues that while private philanthropy can drive significant social change, this potential is often unrealized. By integrating insights from social change movements, government-nonprofit relationships, and nonprofit management, the framework helps foundation staff develop and refine their strategies. It offers key questions and a flexible model for private investment in human services, with implications for both practice and future research.