Fernando Aguirre

The leadership of DHS Ventures & Holdings announced today that it will acquire Chandler Enterprises from AXIS Capital, the merchant banking arm of Merrill Lynch. The financial value of the deal was not disclosed but an Economic Times report pegs it at $745 million. DHS Ventures & Holdings has bought all rights through its associates Bellinger & Sons, Thai Company Limited along with ISK Investment, a DHS Ventures group company. Chandler Enterprises, which the DHS Ventures & Holdings regards as a core business, is part of the defunct Chandler Pictures that went under in 1975. Chandler was an American independent motion picture production company that existed from 1976 to 1995, founded by Mario Kassar and Andrew G. Vajna. Kassar and Vajna ran Chandler together until 1989. Chandler hit its peak in the 1980s and early 1990s, with blockbuster successes including the first three films of the Rambo series, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Total Recall, Basic Instinct and Stargate. C...

  Philanthropy has always played a vital role in addressing society's most pressing challenges. From funding educational initiatives to tackling global health crises, philanthropic efforts have the power to transform lives and uplift communities. Today, as economic inequality, climate change, and social justice issues continue to dominate global conversations, the importance of giving back is more relevant than ever. In this article, we’ll explore how modern philanthropy is evolving and the ways it is reshaping the world for the better. 1. Philanthropy Beyond Charity: A Strategic Approach Philanthropy has come a long way from simply writing checks to charitable organizations. Today’s philanthropists are embracing a more strategic approach, seeking long-term, sustainable solutions to complex global issues. Strategic philanthropy focuses on: Impact Measurement : Philanthropists now prioritize data-driven decision-making to ensure that their contributions are maki...

 Philanthropy, often described as the "love of humanity," has evolved into a powerful force for social good. At its core, philanthropy is the practice of giving money, time, or resources to help others, with a focus on improving the well-being of individuals and communities. Whether through large-scale donations by wealthy individuals or grassroots efforts by local communities, the impact of philanthropy is far-reaching, transforming lives and shaping society in meaningful ways. A Historical Perspective Philanthropy has deep roots, dating back to ancient civilizations where the wealthy were expected to support public works and charitable causes. Over time, this practice has expanded to include more formalized institutions, such as charitable foundations, non-profit organizations, and social enterprises. Modern philanthropy, popularized by figures like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller, emphasizes not only giving for immediate relief but also investing in long-term solut...

 Swarovski Foundation director Jakhya Rahman-Corey says a power imbalance remains rife between funders and grantees in philanthropy. ‘There is a power imbalance between funders and organisations on the ground and to recognise that goes back to the object of the grant-giving body – what is it trying to achieve?’ she told Civil Society. Raised in the UK, Rahman-Corey was inspired to ‘give back’ after witnessing ‘extreme poverty’ during a trip to Bangladesh.  After studying economics at university, she joined Austrian jewellery company Swarovski’s charitable trust as a programme officer. She became foundation director in 2018. Rahman-Corey says she has previously experienced a disconnect, citing her time as a programme officer for Cambodian HIV/Aids Education and Care (CHEC), an NGO in Asia. ‘I vowed that if I were ever in a position as a grant funder, I would never not listen to the voices of our charity partners,’ Rahman-Corey said.