A new book by UK historian Rhodri Davies defines philanthropy not as a stand-alone concept but in relation to social values and political and economic systems – and casts a searching eye on its dilemmas. Reviewer Hilary Pearson recommends it as a good starting point for any new philanthropist or student of philanthropy.
“Future people count. There could be a lot of them. We can make their lives go better.” These statements capture the essence of the argument made by the author of What We Owe the Future. William MacAskill is widely known as the primary exponent of effective altruism, an approach to “doing good,” in his words, that has as much impact as possible on the well-being of people across the world.
The COVID-19 pandemic has tested the resilience of many organizations. In their practical and timely book, Dennis Young and Elizabeth Searing take the opportunity to look at the larger question of preparedness in sector groups for dealing with circumstances – society-wide or unique to a specific organization – that threaten their viability.
Frequent Philanthropist Journal book reviewer Hilary Pearson’s new book profiles a selection of Canadian foundations that have evolved from static grantors to active participants in building capacity, strengthening community, influencing public policy, addressing climate change, and engaging in reconciliation through relationship.
Lucy Bernholz’s central message in her book is that giving is about participation and engagement by all of us for all of us. But to be fully realized, giving must involve participation with others, must be driven by a clear set of moral and political values, and must contribute to shaping the society we want.
We asked Hilary Pearson, who frequently reviews books for The Philanthropist Journal, to comment on “A Short History” as a way of providing an entry point for the article.
In her strongly argued new book, author Beth Breeze takes on three main critiques of the urge to give and offers her own prescription for how philanthropy can be improved.
Author Ian Murray tackles the issues related to accumulation comprehensively and astutely, offering legal and policy reforms that would allow intergenerational justice to play a more central role in decisions on how and when philanthropic assets are used.
