April 16, 2008 | Read Time: 1 minute
Michael has a problem. The 31-year-old Harvard University graduate has inherited a large sum of money and wants to donate as much as $70-million, but is not sure what causes to support.
On The New York Times’s Freakonomics blog, Sudhir Venkatesh, a guest writer, is asking readers to suggest what the rookie philanthropist should contribute to. Michael, whose last name is not given, is a friend of Mr. Venkatesh, a professor of sociology at Columbia University, and asked him for help with his challenge.
Michael has set some guidelines for his giving. He wants to give all the amount within 10 years, donate to causes in America, award contributions of no less than $1-million apiece, and not support public schools, which he says is government’s responsibility.
Freakonomics readers have suggested he support Habitat for Humanity, scholarships for poor college students, health care, public television, job training for workers laid off by factories moving overseas, a company with a social mission, public parks, and dozens of other ideas.
What do you think Michael should do with his money? Click on the “comment” link below to share your thoughts.
