"Pipeline Philanthropy": Understanding Corporate Philanthropic Action in Education During the COVID-19 Era

• In Event: Education and Philanthropy SIG Paper Session

Abstract

In reaction to the COVID-19 crisis, many companies, particularly technology companies, voluntarily responded to strains in the education sector by temporarily donating or discounting their core products. Using illustrative cases, I analyze this type of contribution as ‘pipeline philanthropy,’ a conceptual frame to evaluate the philanthropic involvement of corporations in education that embeds corporate products in schooling and develops a pipeline of future customers. This article explores the historical case of Apple’s ‘Kids Can’t Wait’ initiative and how the ‘pipeline philanthropy’ model of corporate giving differs from existing models of CSR and philanthropy in education. I evaluate the political implications of this phenomenon and offer an evaluative framework to understand this important and expanding type of giving in education.

Author

• Nora Reikosky, The University of Pennsylvania