Philanthropy May Be Getting More Democratic, but Some Causes and People Are Still Left Out
The report shows megadonors are not as dominant in the nation’s giving patterns. That development has an upside, philanthropy historian Benjamin Soskis writes, but there’s still reason to worry about who can influence where charitable dollars are spent.
By Benjamin Soskis
Contributor
Philanthropy’s Preoccupation With Airing Failures Is a Mixed Blessing
Too often donors seem to forget that real people and communities were hurt as grant makers took approaches that didn’t work out.
By Benjamin Soskis
Contributor
New Realities for Philanthropy in the Trump Era
Grant makers have their work cut out for them: addressing the mistrust that many Americans have of the political and philanthropic elite.
By Benjamin Soskis
Contributor
A Toxic Brew: Trump’s Bullying, Dirty Tricks, the Media Spotlight, and Philanthropy
Controversies over Donald Trump’s fundraising for veterans and a sting of George Soros show what happens when a donor is treated like a politician and a politician is treated like a donor.
By Benjamin Soskis
Contributor
In Political Philanthropy, We Should All Fear the Dark
Jane Mayer’s book Dark Money, about Charles and David Koch, illustrates the tensions in both liberal and conservative giving, especially the importance of transparency.
By Benjamin Soskis
Contributor
Ben Franklin, Meet Phil Knight
Does the challenge grant empower people or plutocrats? The question has vexed philanthropy for more than 200 years.
By Benjamin Soskis
Contributor