The Givers: Wealth, Power, and Philanthropy in a New Gilded Age

The Givers examines the landscape of modern philanthropy and the wealthy donors who shape it through their giving. The book profiles prominent philanthropists and foundations that wield substantial influence over public policy and social change in America. Through interviews and research, author David Callahan maps the networks and strategies of today's major donors as they deploy their wealth to address issues like education reform, scientific research, and poverty. The book tracks how private philanthropic dollars increasingly affect public institutions and democratic processes. Callahan explores the complex motivations, impacts, and potential consequences of concentrated philanthropic power in contemporary society. The text raises fundamental questions about accountability, transparency, and the relationship between private wealth and public good in an era of growing inequality.

Readers describe this as a detailed investigation of modern philanthropy's influence on public policy and society. Many note it provides an inside look at major donors like Gates, Soros, and Koch. What readers liked: - Deep research and interviews with philanthropists - Clear explanations of complex giving structures - Balanced perspective on both benefits and risks - Strong historical context What readers disliked: - Too focused on left-leaning donors - Could use more critical analysis of donor motivations - Dense sections on policy details - Limited coverage of small/medium donors Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (165 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (47 ratings) Sample review quotes: "Eye-opening look at how the ultra-wealthy shape policy through charitable giving" -Goodreads "Well-researched but sometimes reads like a donor listing" -Amazon "Important but worrying examination of plutocratic power" -LibraryThing

Winners Take All by Anand Giridharadas A critique of how modern philanthropy by wealthy elites perpetuates social inequality while claiming to solve global problems.

Just Giving by Rob Reich An examination of the relationship between philanthropy and democracy, exploring the power dynamics of charitable foundations in society.

No Such Thing as a Free Gift by Linsey McGoey An investigation into the Gates Foundation and other major philanthropic organizations reveals the influence of private wealth on public policy.

The Gospel of Wealth by Andrew Carnegie The foundational text of modern philanthropy presents Carnegie's philosophy on the responsibilities of wealthy individuals to society.

Dark Money by Jane Mayer A documentation of how wealthy donors use philanthropic organizations to influence political outcomes and shape public policy in the United States.

🎁 Author David Callahan founded Inside Philanthropy, a digital media site that tracks major charitable giving and foundations across the United States. 💰 The book examines over 60 of America's top philanthropists, including both traditional donors like the Rockefellers and new tech billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg. 🌟 Many of the philanthropists profiled in the book made their fortunes during the tech boom of the 1990s and 2000s, marking a generational shift in charitable giving from inherited wealth to self-made wealth. 🏛️ The book highlights how modern philanthropists often take an activist approach, seeking to influence public policy and social change rather than simply funding charitable causes. 📊 According to research cited in the book, the number of U.S. foundations grew from 32,000 in 1990 to over 86,000 in 2015, with assets increasing from $143 billion to $715 billion during that period.