Badr Jafar, an entrepreneur and social entrepreneur from the UAE, has some important insights on philanthropy in the digital age. As CEO of Crescent Enterprises and author of The Business of Philanthropy: Perspectives and Insights from Global Thought Leaders on How to Change the World, Jafar has had extensive conversations with over 50 leaders in business, philanthropy and society.

The Power of Strategic Philanthropy

In an interview with Forbes India, Jafar highlighted that strategic philanthropy is distinctly different from traditional forms of giving. In the digital and globally connected world, philanthropy is no longer just about providing financial resources, but also about sustainable impact, transparency and long-term effectiveness.

Precision and Impact

According to Jafar, philanthropy today requires a deliberate, data-driven approach, combined with scientific assessments of effectiveness. Charitable foundations and philanthropists are paying more attention to the importance of measuring impact through clear metrics.

The rise of digital platforms in philanthropy

A notable trend is the development of digital platforms, which are expanding the philanthropic model from “one-to-many” to “many-to-one”. Instead of relying on a few large donors, technology platforms are connecting millions of small donors, creating a stronger and more sustainable mobilization of resources. Models such as crowdfunding and blockchain are also playing an important role in increasing the transparency and effectiveness of donations.

Gender and the Differences in Giving

An interesting point raised by Jafar is the difference in the approach to philanthropy between men and women. He notes that women tend to focus on education, health and community development, while men tend to focus on larger-scale investments in infrastructure and scientific research.

The Rise of the Young Generation of Leaders

In India, the young generation of leaders in family businesses are breaking new ground in philanthropy. They are adopting an innovative approach, combining business and social responsibility to create a more sustainable impact. Jafar notes that this generation is not only bringing in funding but also knowledge, technology and innovative partnership models.

The Future of Philanthropy

Jafar believes that philanthropy in the future will become more inclusive, leveraging the power of technology and data to optimize effectiveness. He calls on entrepreneurs, investors, and philanthropists to come together to build a collaborative ecosystem where social impact and economic benefit can go hand in hand.

The Business of Philanthropy is not just a book about philanthropy, but a call to action for the next generation of social innovation. By combining business thinking with social responsibility, the world can create truly lasting change.