Foundations and the Power of Giving

Abstract

The goal of philanthropy is to advance society by providing necessary social, cultural, and educational services which are not provided by the state or the markets for political or economic reasons or which are provided by the state but not in a way that satisfies philanthropists. Philanthropy constitutes a relationship between donor/giver and receiver – or between collectives of donors and collectives of receivers. Both sides gain something in the process of giving – the receiver gains material and financial support; the donor, financial or social advantages. Philanthropy serves as a way to define social distinctions and social classes. The donor provides money, time, and ideas for a project, which he or she alone, or in connection with other donors, attempts to control. Philanthropy always has something to do with power and the shaping of the future of society.1