Philanthropy Makes A Big Comeback

During and immediately after the gilded age, America lived through its “golden age of philanthropy.” Now, once again, today’s era of conspicuous consumption is accompanied by a new era of serious giving by the moderately wealthy, as well as the very rich. For example, Bill and Melinda Gates have already given away more than $31 billion, and others are trying to emulate them. Where’s that money going? What do we foresee it accomplishing? What are the implications for society? We’ll take a look.

After an inte.....