A New Era of Philanthropy: Ten Practices to Transform Wealth into a More Just and Sustainable Future

by Dimple Abichandani

“A must-read for anyone in philanthropy, particularly those who question whether and how philanthropic resources can address the current, complex challenges our world faces.” —Nick Tedesco, president and chief executive officer of the National Center for Family Philanthropy

A blueprint for how wealth can be transformed into a more just and sustainable future in times of rapid change and crisis.

On the cusp of the greatest wealth transfer in history—with $84 trillion dollars moving between generations in the next 20 years—this book explores how philanthropy can be transformative, and transformed.

Can philanthropy be an anti-racist, feminist, relational, and joyful expression of solidarity?

This book argues that it not only can be—for the future we seek, and for philanthropy to achieve its greatest impact, it must be.

Nationally recognized philanthropic leader Dimple Abichandani revolutionizes the precepts of modern philanthropy. Offering 10 provocative practice shifts, A New Era of Philanthropy engages readers with fresh answers to the question of how philanthropy can meet this high-stakes moment—from reimagining governance to aligning investments to crisis funding and beyond.

Abichandani highlights paradigm shifts that model the way forward, moving beyond critique into real transformation, with relatable stories about funders who are forging a new era of philanthropy.

A New Era of Philanthropy picks up where key books like Decolonizing Wealth and Winners Take All leave off, offering a guide for donors, foundations, and non-profit leaders navigating philanthropy in urgent times. Clear-eyed, hopeful, and responsive to the moment, this book helps us reimagine the purpose and norms of modern philanthropy. It is an invitation to all of us who believe these resources can contribute to a more just start here.

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

Published April 29, 2025

Reviews

[Crystal Hayling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read. Dimple describes how philanthropists cling to old assumptions and practices that curtail effectiveness. Through a personal and engaging writing style, she offers interactive prompts we can use to excise what's not working and begin to rebuild philanthropy from the ground up.

[Maggie McGoldrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book eloquently articulates the complicated feelings many of us who work in philanthropy have about the field’s ability to make change in the current landscape. More importantly, it provides 10 practices and thought-provoking questions that offer readers a roadmap for a new type of philanthropy that centers social justice and sustainability. Readers are left with next steps and an optimistic vision for the future—if they adapt their practices. Thanks to the author for the ARC!

[Laurel]

Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read this advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Fabtasmagoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy courtesy of Penguin Random House and Netgalley

This is a short read that truly packs a lot of helpful information. While Kindle estimates it as a three-hour read, it took me nearly three weeks to work through, not because it was dense or inaccessible, but because every chapter gave me so much to reflect on. I found myself pausing often to take notes, revisit ideas, and think deeply about how they applied to the boards I serve on and the organizations I care about.

As someone invested in making sure nonprofits are not just doing good work but meaningful, transformative work, this book felt crucial. Abichandani doesn’t just critique the existing structures of philanthropy—she lays out a bold, clear-eyed path forward. Her ten "practice shifts" are more than just ideas; they are tangible calls to action for donors, foundations, and nonprofit leaders who are serious about justice, equity, and impact.

What stood out most to me was how the book balances sharp analysis with real-world application. It's one thing to imagine philanthropy as anti-racist, feminist and joyful but Abichandani shows us what it takes to actually live that out. The stories she shares from funders already doing this work are both inspiring and instructive.

If you’re involved in nonprofit leadership, serve on a board, or are simply curious about how giving can meet the urgency of this moment, this is an essential read. A New Era of Philanthropy invites us to not just imagine a better future, it helps us build the scaffolding for it, one practice shift at a time.

[HELEN SHUM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book resonates. As someone who works in the world of philanthropy, reading Dimple's book felt like a much-needed conversation among friends who care deeply about making philanthropy work for everyone. I especially appreciated the suggested "practice shifts" that provide practical guidance and framing. If you’re part of a foundation team or board committed to racial justice, community-led change and resilience, you’ll find yourself nodding along. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to rethink how philanthropy can be meaningful, inclusive and lasting — or for those new to the philanthropic world and want a quick run down of the conversations that are top of mind for those in the trenches.

[Anne Loranger-King · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who works in philanthropy, this book was truly a game changer for me. It gave me the language and frameworks to better understand realities I had experienced but had never been able to fully articulate. The author shows that meaningful change and transformation from within institutions is possible through the practices she recommends.

I listened to the audiobook, and hearing the author narrate it herself was a wonderful experience. Her voice is beautiful and adds an extra layer of depth and authenticity to the message.

Beyond being incredibly useful and insightful, this is also a remarkably well-written book. Thought-provoking, practical, and inspiring, I highly recommend it to anyone interested in creating positive change in their work and communities.

[Miki A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate to get an ARC of this book and I think it's an invaluable addition to our field. Dimple lays bare many of the assumptions that shape our field and helps raise up the questions that we must face in this time of crisis (and also in moments of opportunity). Asking the world of philanthropy to center principles of equity, solidarity, and justice feels more important than ever. The book is structured with 10 chapters that each take on critical areas (e.g., governance, investments), and then conclude with exercises designed to help funders interrogate their own practices. A helpful guide!

[Chris Westcott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly excellent book - that is a must read for anyone interested the role philanthropy can play in shaping the just and sustainable futures we need. The book lays out a strong critical analysis of what was wrong with 'gilded' philanthropy of the past, and a powerful vision for what philanthropy can become in the future. Its FULL of specific examples of what that visionary work looks like in practice by leaders in the sector pursuing it with joy, courage, and community!! Must read.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading an advanced reader copy of Abichandani’s forthcoming release. Her fresh take on the practices that philanthropy must employ to make a difference in today’s complex world is compelling and honest. The book provides a practical roadmap for philanthropists who want to help build a more just society and offers hope for a better future.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book and I highly recommend it. Abichandani combines storytelling with critical analysis of the field while helpfully guiding readers through their own exercises that tie practice to purpose. She combines honest assessments of the field with hopeful tactics for our future. I predict this book will ignite a much needed conversation in the sector.

[Joelle Beranek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid read. I work in non profit development and it was. Wet interesting to hear the foundation perspective- and amen to the ways it can improve. Gilded philanthropy is so cringe!

[Daphne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book inspires a paradigm shift away from gilded private philanthropy. Instead, it calls for more equitable and democratic distribution of resources - critical to resolving our world's polycrises. It advocates for more democratic governance on foundation boards, collaborative fund models, and a trust-based approach to philanthropy. I'm excited and hopeful to see funders actually adopt these practices.

While so much of the book strikes a chord, I do wish there were more treatment of how to leverage collective learning to measure and ensure desired impact and transformational change (in the section on rethinking evaluation) - a continued pain point that would benefit from guidance.