In Defence of Philanthropy
Agenda Publishing
In Defence of Philanthropy
Agenda Publishing
Running down "do-gooders" has become a popular pastime in recent years. Journalists and academics alike have lampooned and criticized philanthropists and big donors for their charitable activities, which are often characterized as a means of self-aggrandisement or tax evasion. Yet, it is widely acknowledged that philanthropy - from the establishment of Carnegie libraries in the nineteenth century to the recent global health interventions of the Gates Foundation - has played a critical role in both developed and developing societies. In an impassioned defence of the role of philanthropy in society, Beth Breeze tackles the main critiques levelled at philanthropy and questions the rationale for undermining and disparaging philanthropic acts. She contends that although it might be flawed, philanthropy is a sector that ought to be celebrated and championed so that an abundance of causes and interests can flourish.
A badly needed rebuttal to the rising chorus of denunciations directed at...high-profile donors....[A] masterly takedown. Wall Street Journal
A powerful counterpoint…while philanthropy is improvable, it is not illegitimate Financial Times
A deeply researched, acerbically (and brilliantly) written, and totally convincing refutation of the overly generalized, shallow, ahistorical, unhelpful, and counter-productive critiques of philanthropy that, while hardly new, have surged into fashion in recent years ... Beth Breeze reminds us of the simple truth that giving matters - and that we should encourage it. Phil Buchanan, President, Center for Effective Philanthropy, and author of Giving Done Right
Beth Breeze combines expert knowledge of the social scientific work on charitable giving with extensive personal knowledge of philanthropy and philanthropists. In accessible and engaging prose, she offers a conclusive response to the increasingly loud and unjustified attacks on philanthropy. It is unfortunate that philanthropy requires a defence, but thankfully this book more than meets the challenge. Christopher Einolf, Director, Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies, Northern Illinois University
Breeze provides an analytically rich defense of philanthropy Benjamin Soskis, Stanford Social Innovation Review Spring 2022
Superbly scholarly yet intensely readable. Bob Reid, President and Chief Executive, Edge Philanthropy
Beth Breeze’s book could not be more timely. In the face of often crude attacks, it is a passionate, beautifully researched and thoughtful defence of philanthropy. This is an erudite, fascinating book. But it is more than that. It is a book that will lead to better philanthropy – and a book that will help civil society flourish. Essential reading for anyone interested in the charitable sector. Paul Ramsbottom OBE, Chief Executive, Wolfson Foundation
Whatever your initial views on philanthropy, this is an important book in challenging many of the prevailing negative perceptions. Philippa Charles, Director, Garfield Weston Foundation