Is philanthropy by its very nature a threat to today's democracy? Though we may laud wealthy
individuals who give away their money for society's benefit Just Giving shows how such
generosity not only isn't the unassailable good we think it to be but might also undermine
democratic values and set back aspirations of justice. Big philanthropy is often an exercise of
power the conversion of private assets into public influence. And it is a form of power that
is largely unaccountable often perpetual and lavishly tax-advantaged. The affluent--and their
foundations--reap vast benefits even as they influence policy without accountability. And small
philanthropy or ordinary charitable giving can be problematic as well. Charity it turns out
does surprisingly little to provide for those in need and sometimes worsens inequality. These
outcomes are shaped by the policies that define and structure philanthropy. When how much and
to whom people give is influenced by laws governing everything from the creation of foundations
and nonprofits to generous tax exemptions for donations of money and property. Rob Reich asks:
What attitude and what policies should democracies have concerning individuals who give money
away for public purposes? Just Giving investigates the ethical and political dimensions of
philanthropy and considers how giving might better support democratic values and promote
justice.
