Nontraditional roles for philanthropic capital in urban redevelopment

Abstract

Across the United States, neighborhoods of persistent urban disinvestment continue to elude revitalization. Despite efforts from private, public, and social sector leaders, these areas continue to produce unacceptable health, safety, education, economic, and wellbeing outcomes for their residents. Philanthropy has long been a stakeholder in urban revitalization efforts, yet is often understood and described only as a source of grant capital. However, understanding some of the roles of philanthropic capital beyond grants, specifically philanthropic investments, knowledge creation, leadership, and operations, may reveal powerful, unexpected roles for philanthropy. While urban revitalization can occur without philanthropic involvement, these various tools and approaches should be considered, either individually or jointly, in planning for and implementing revitalizations efforts in neighborhoods across America.