Giving for Social Change: Foundations, Public Policy, and the American Political Agenda

(Hardback)

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This study shows how philanthropic foundations and their leaders help shape the American political agenda. The authors' central argument is that foundation leaders are members of a key social and political elite in American society. Relying on a survey of such leaders and on an examination of foundation public policy grants, the authors demonstrate that members of the foundation elite are among the most polarized groups in American society. This study shows how philanthropic foundations and their leaders help shape the American political agenda. The authors' central argument is that foundation leaders are members of a key social and political elite in American society. Relying on a survey of such leaders and on an examination of foundation public policy grants, the authors demonstrate that members of the foundation elite are among the most polarized groups in American society. Contrary to popular belief, those who control foundations seek to make American more progressive. Public policy oriented foundations are largely liberal in outlook and make grants primarily to liberal individuals and organizations. The authors examine the dilemmas that the existence of such organizations create for democratic political theory. The discussion is placed in the context of a historical overview of the role of foundations in American society; it will be of great interest to public policy professionals, political scientists, and those who track the direction of the national agenda.

Reviews

Using and extensive survey to explore the attitudes of foundation officials on topics such as political ideology, social class background, and the role of philanthropic foundations in American society, Nagai, Lerner, and Rothman analyze foundation leaders as a strategic elite. This ambitious book is a useful addition to the literature. Upper-division undergraduate and above.-Choice
"Using and extensive survey to explore the attitudes of foundation officials on topics such as political ideology, social class background, and the role of philanthropic foundations in American society, Nagai, Lerner, and Rothman analyze foundation leaders as a strategic elite. This ambitious book is a useful addition to the literature. Upper-division undergraduate and above."-Choice

Author Bio

ALTHEA K. NAGAI is Senior Research Associate at the Center for Study of Social and Political Change at Smith College. ROBERT LERNER is Assistant Director at the Center for Study of Social and Political Change at Smith College. STANLEY ROTHMAN is Director of the Center for the Study of Social and Political Change at Smith College.