The Impact of Private Philanthropy on Cultural Policy at the Local Level in Russia

In this paper the attempt to research the correlation of state and non-state actors (corporate funds) within cultural sphere was undertaken. The paper consists of three chapters. It combines both theoretical and practical parts. The first chapter is devoted to theoretical aspects of philanthropy, the next one describes the process of philanthropy development in Russia and the last one is a practical part where particular initiatives in cultural sphere and cases are analyzed. We determined the main notions which concern philanthropy, applied several theories of corporate social responsibility, revealed legal framework for philanthropic activity on the federal and regional levels. Main mechanisms of interaction between corporate funds and state bodies were revealed. The impact of the philanthropic foundations was assessed and it was proved that the last influence the outcomes of projects in cultural sphere. We made a point that corporate giving is becoming widespread in Russia and it is of regional character. Sociocultural projects play an important role in the territorial development and formation and strengthening of urban and rural communities.