Mapping Diaspora in Diaspora Philanthropy

Diasporic philanthropy, shaped by migration, globalisation and evolving forms of giving, is increasingly attracting scholarly attention. Yet research in this area remains fragmented, often constrained by limited theoretical frameworks and inconsistent definitions of diaspora. This article argues that conceptualisations of diaspora—whether explicit or implicit—profoundly influence how philanthropic practices are interpreted, shaping their scope, motivations and political or cultural significance. We present a conceptual review that maps four key approaches: transnational, political, cultural and identity-related. Together, these perspectives illuminate the diversity and complexity of diasporic philanthropy while clarifying its conceptual foundations and advancing future research.