The Supremacy of Whiteness in International Philanthropy

Despite its best intentions and its lauded position in society, private international philanthropy—the giving of accumulated capital through formal institutions such as foundations or donor-advised funds in countries other than where the money was made—is grounded in, exercises and therefore continues the supremacy of Whiteness. This chapter argues that today’s international philanthropic sector is not only built on the supremacy of Whiteness but continues to actively perpetuate it through the inequitable accumulation of wealth, its sequestration of capital, its structures, practices and values, and its elevated, untouchable stature in society. The authors argue that international philanthropy is ostensibly dedicated to helping others, and yet the centering, privileging and bias of Whiteness exact a range of harms. This chapter provides a practical and thorough understanding of the history, existence and power of Whiteness in international philanthropy, with the goal of breaking down the historical amnesia that exists around its supremacy in the sector and so that real future change can happen.