In Defence of Philanthropy
Running down “do-gooders” has become a popular pastime in recent years.
Lampooning, criticizing and even attacking philanthropists for their charitable activities has become sport for journalists and academics alike.
Big donors have been subjected to specific vilification as their acts are characterized as a means to self-aggrandisement or tax evasion.
Yet, it is widely acknowledged that philanthropy has played a critical role in both developed and developing societies, from the establishment of Carnegie Libraries in Victorian England to the global health interventions of the Gates Foundation.
Arguably, without philanthropists – big or small – society would be greatly impoverished and projects beyond the scope of government and the market would never receive funding. 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, disparaging and trivialising 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.
Reviews
“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
“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
“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
Dr Beth Breeze
Beth Breeze is Director of the Centre for Philanthropy and Reader in Social Policy at the University of Kent. She began her career as a fundraiser for a youth homelessness charity, and spent a decade working in a variety of fundraising, research and charity management roles, including as deputy director at the Institute for Philanthropy. She is the author of The New Fundraisers: Who Organises Charitable Giving in Contemporary Society? (2017).
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