Description
Book SynopsisRunning 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.
Trade ReviewA masterly takedown ... a badly needed rebuttal to the rising chorus of denunciations directed at high-profile donors. -- Wall Street Journal
A powerful counterpoint ... while philanthropy is improvable, it is not illegitimate. -- Financial Times
Articulate and meticulously researched… Everyone should read this book – not just those who work in the philanthropic sector. University programs that teach courses in philanthropy, including business schools concerned with social impact, should assign this book and allow students to examine the critiques of philanthropy in detail and to come to their own conclusions.
-- Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly
What strikes most is the clever usage of anecdotal evidence to illustrate the well-grounded empirical data. The examples are bright and close to life … recommended as both interesting, sometimes even entertaining, and crucially—useful—to a variety of readers, from researchers to key stakeholders of philanthropy.
-- Voluntas
This is a book that condenses a great deal of scholarship as well as the author's own considerable research … It deserves to be cited by researchers and should be recommended as essential reading for anyone who wishes to seriously understand philanthropy or fundraising.
-- Third Sector Review
A welcome addition to the discussion around philanthropy in society… a nice overview of the literature for researchers, faculty, and students… provides a nuanced view that engages with the criticisms and offers rebuttals.
-- The Foundation Review
Offers what has been lacking in much of the discourse thus far – a balance between ‘repetitive carping and mindless cheerleading’ ... could, and should, provide the stimulus for serious public debate around the appropriate roles of philanthropy in a democracy.
-- Alliance
Exceptional... Breeze communicates scholarly work, statistics, and history with ease. She situates each critique of philanthropy within its historical context, tracing the roots in order to provide a nuanced, often witty, response.
-- Washington Examiner
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
Superbly scholarly yet intensely readable. -- Bob Reid, President and Chief Executive, Edge Philanthropy
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
In Defence of Philanthropy is 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. The timing is perfect, as we emerge from years of simplistic cheap-shots about philanthropy and rebuild from a global pandemic, when we’ll desperately need givers to step up. Beth Breeze reminds us of the simple truth that giving matters – and that we should encourage it. With evidence, logic, and powerful examples, she shows us the good that effective philanthropy does in supporting organizations doing vital work, the ways it has improved both individual lives and free societies, and its vital role relative to business and government. Philanthropy, like all good things, can be mis-used or done poorly, but Breeze reminds us powerfully of our collective interest in encouraging, and not cynically demeaning, the deeply human impulse to help others.
-- Phil Buchanan, President, Center for Effective Philanthropy, and author of Giving Done Right
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
A bold defense of philanthropy that would be of interest to a general audience and particularly to philanthropists and fundraisers.
-- Angela M Eikenberry, Affilia
Table of ContentsIntroduction: the need for a defence of philanthropy1. What is philanthropy?2. Is philanthropy really under attack?3. The academic critique4. The insider critique5. The populist critique6. Why do attacks on philanthropy stick and what can be done about it?Conclusion: in praise of philanthropy
