Philanthropy and democracy

Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College has established a program on philanthropy and democracy. So far its has four main components: an International Visiting Scholar Program; a series of International Workshops on Political Economy; a series of Public Conversations on Philathropy; and an Annual Philathropy Seminar.

The overall purpose of the program is to contribute to the Swedish and international conversations on philanthropy, foundations, democracy, and equality. It will encourage research on how – and if – philanthropies, foundations, charities and non-profit-organizations can play a democratizing role in society. The program is also meant to add to and complement Ersta Sköndal Bräcke’s Ph.D. program in civil society studies and its strategic, long-term research program on the future of the welfare society in Sweden and beyond, with a focus on themes such as diversity, inclusion and pluralism.

The long-term, strategic aim of the program is thus to strengthen and develop the research on civil society at Ersta Sköndal Bräcke’s Institute for Civil Society Research in general and the research on philanthropy, foundations, charity, and non-profit organizations in particular.