June 1, 2000 | Read Time: 1 minute
Philanthropic Traditions in the 20th Century
by Joseph C. Kiger
This book discusses the evolution of U.S. foundations over the past century, with an emphasis on funds with large assets.
Mr. Kiger, professor of history emeritus at the University of Mississippi, begins by examining philanthropy in ancient cultures and the emergence of foundations in the United States. He chronicles what he sees as the major developments at U.S. foundations in the past century: a growth in efforts to make foundations more accountable to the public, the recruitment of more women and minorities as staff members and trustees, and the passage of tax laws that more tightly regulated how foundations operate.
Mr. Kiger devotes the latter section of his book to the increase in international activities and the formation and operation of international groups associated with U.S. foundations. He discusses how the growing involvement of American foundations in overseas activities, especially in formerly Communist countries, has led to closer ties with foundations abroad and to the creation of centers that provide information and support for U.S. funds operating abroad.
Such global activities, writes Mr. Kiger, represent “the most significant and ongoing U.S. foundation development” today.
Publisher: Greenwood Publishing Group, 88 Post Road West, P.O. Box 5007, Westport, Conn. 06881-5007; (203) 226-3671; fax (203) 222-1502; http://www.greenwood.com; 222 pages; $55; I.S.B.N. 0-313-31223-0.
