# Just Giving: Why Philanthropy Is Failing Democracy and How It Can Do Better

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/books/just-giving-why-philanthropy-is-failing-democracy-and-how-it-can-do-better/
- Published: 2018-08-09T07:11:27+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**_Just Giving_, not to be confused with the online giving platform, investigates
the ethical and political dimensions of philanthropy and considers how giving might
better support democratic values and promote justice.**

‘Big philanthropy’ can be a form of exercising power, converting private assets 
into public influence. This power can be mostly unaccountable, long-lasting, and
even receive tax advantages. As such, Reich suggests that philanthropy might even
undermine democratic values and set back aspirations of justice.

And he looks at other charitable giving, not just major gifts, claiming that charity“
does surprisingly little to provide for those in need and sometimes worsens inequality.”

Rob Reich is professor of political science and faculty co-director for the Stanford
Centre on Philanthropy and Civil Society at Stanford University. His recent books
include_Education, Justice, and Democracy_.

> A new Rob Reich book is always cause for celebration – and updating our MA Philanthropic
> Studies reading lists! [https://t.co/S0GSEPOoUs](https://t.co/S0GSEPOoUs)
> — Beth Breeze (@UKCPhilanthropy) [August 4, 2018](https://twitter.com/UKCPhilanthropy/status/1025828642075619329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)