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

by Dimple Abichandani

How building better philanthropy builds better futures—10 lessons for the next 10 years

A guide to equitable philanthropy for funders, foundations, and nonprofit leaders for readers of Decolonizing Wealth and Winners Take All

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 embody its greatest impact, it must be.

Nationally recognized philanthropic leader Dimple Abichandani revolutionizes the precepts and practices of modern philanthropy, offering 10 lessons to help leaders work toward an equitable world—instead of perpetuating an unjust one.

Abichandani highlights the efforts and paradigm shifts that model the way forward, moving beyond critique into real transformation. Each lesson is offered with relatable stories and covers a range of topics relevant to today’s

Seize Every How to fund in times of crisis—and why the “disaster philanthropy playbook” is out of date
Bend How thinking about time differently supercharges effective giving
How funders can help to build the new economy through their investments
Be Relational, not Understanding relationships as sites of impact and transformation
Fund the Forest and the How to fund change intersectionality across more than one silo
…and more

Solidarity Philanthropy picks up where key books like Decolonizing Wealth and Winners Take All left off, writing for readers navigating philanthropy in the midst of a decisive decade, one transformed by the pandemic and eyes wide open to systemic injustice. Clear-eyed, hopeful, and responsive to the urgent needs of today’s philanthropic leaders, this book helps us reimagine our resources and models to build a more just and sustainable tomorrow.

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.

[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!

[Daphne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book inspires a paradigm shift away from gilded private philanthropy to a more equitable and democratic distribution of resources - critical to resolving the polycrises of the moment. 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.

[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.