The Thirteen Intentions of Philanthropy: An SSIR Author Conversation

The past year has roiled the social sector. The assumption that government is a reliable partner for philanthropies and their visions of impact, effectiveness, and scale has been thrown into doubt. It is time for the sector to rethink its tendency toward monoculture and embrace the diverse motivations and values that ensure its relevance and sustainability. 

In this live conversation, SSIR deputy editor David Johnson speaks with Ari Simon, author of SSIR’s Spring 2026 feature story, “What Else Can I Do? The Thirteen Intentions of Philanthropy.” They will critically examine the prevailing norms of philanthropic practice today and explore a more pluralistic model for understanding the reasons for giving. They will also take questions from the audience.

Ari Simon is the President of Tambourine, a Giving Pledge philanthropy. He was previously Head of Social Impact & Philanthropy at Pinterest and Vice President, Chief Program & Strategy Officer at the Kresge Foundation. He is based in Venice, CA.