In Defence of Philanthropy

Superbly scholarly yet intensely readable. -- Bob Reid, President and Chief Executive, Edge Philanthropy Beth Breeze combines expert knowledge of the social scientific work on charitable giving with extensive personal knowledge of philanthropy and philanthropists. In accessible and engaging prose, she offers a conclusive response to the increasingly loud and unjustified attacks on philanthropy. It is unfortunate that philanthropy requires a defence, but thankfully this book more than meets the challenge. -- Christopher Einolf, Director, Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies, Northern Illinois University In Defence of Philanthropy is a deeply researched, acerbically (and brilliantly) written, and totally convincing refutation of the overly generalized, shallow, ahistorical, unhelpful, and counter-productive critiques of philanthropy that, while hardly new, have surged into fashion in recent years. The timing is perfect, as we emerge from years of simplistic cheap-shots about philanthropy and rebuild from a global pandemic, when we'll desperately need givers to step up. Beth Breeze reminds us of the simple truth that giving matters - and that we should encourage it. With evidence, logic, and powerful examples, she shows us the good that effective philanthropy does in supporting organizations doing vital work, the ways it has improved both individual lives and free societies, and its vital role relative to business and government. Philanthropy, like all good things, can be mis-used or done poorly, but Breeze reminds us powerfully of our collective interest in encouraging, and not cynically demeaning, the deeply human impulse to help others. -- Phil Buchanan, President, Center for Effective Philanthropy, and author of Giving Done Right Beth Breeze's book could not be more timely. In the face of often crude attacks, it is a passionate, beautifully researched and thoughtful defence of philanthropy. This is an erudite, fascinating book. But it is more than that. It is a book that will lead to better philanthropy - and a book that will help civil society flourish. Essential reading for anyone interested in the charitable sector. -- Paul Ramsbottom OBE, Chief Executive, Wolfson Foundation Whatever your initial views on philanthropy, this is an important book in challenging many of the prevailing negative perceptions. -- Philippa Charles, Director, Garfield Weston Foundation