Bridging the Gap: Development of the Entrepreneurial Philanthropy Alignment Model

Partnerships are increasingly considered to have the potential to address societal problems that one single actor cannot solve. This paper rationalises the development of partnerships between entrepreneurs and non-profit organisations by the effects of its alignment. In organisations, the process of alignment focuses on the activities that management perform to achieve cohesive goals (e.g., finance, marketing, sales, human resources). Whereas in an entrepreneurial philanthropy partnership, the stage of alignment maturity addresses both how the opted societal change is in harmony with the entrepreneurial approach and how this approach can be in harmony with societal change. This approach is deemed crucial in understanding how the two partners can translate their views on leadership, strategy, and culture into opportunities that enhance their impact. Theoretical researches have provided foundations for identifying dimensions of the conceptual Entrepreneurial Philanthropy Alignment Model (EPAM) that might strengthen the impact of a partnership between an entrepreneur and a non-profit organisation.