Resources

Books

Reference books are always useful. In this list some books have been reviewed whilst others are listed as recommended reading.

Book List
This short collection of 10 essays begins and ends with contributions by Michael Edwards, whose essay Philanthrocapitalism: after the goldrush raised questions about mixing business principles with philanthropic objectives. It sparked the debate on the Open Democracy website that is...
Book List
A treasure-trove of a book looking at how philanthropy has contributed to, and been shaped by, the various historical periods and different cultures in which it has existed. The scope of the essays is vast, including pre-colonial Africa, twentieth-century Russia...
Book List
Based on interactions with over 100 donors, Frumkin identifies five functions of philanthropy: change, innovation, redistribution, pluralism and enabling donors to find meaning and purpose in their lives. This book also provides a framework for ‘strategic philanthropy’: once donors find...
Book List
This collection of essays features contributions from many of the most interesting current thinkers on philanthropy. It has an unusual angle – the potential of philanthropy to fail in its goals and even to do harm because, as the foreword...
Book List
After nearly two decades as president of the Surdna foundation, Edward Skloot looks back on a period of rapid change in American philanthropy, social policy, politics and civic ideals.
Book List
This collection of essays examines why foundations exist and the varied purposes they serve in contemporary democratic societies.
Book List
This is a collection of essays by ‘retiring philanthropy professionals’ in the world of US foundations.
Book List
Foundations are said to be a peculiarly American institution that provide a vital spur to the global economy yet are cloaked in secrecy.
Book List
This collection of essays covers a wide geographical area – from Ireland to Australia via France, Norway, Egypt, India, South Korea and Brazil – and a historical period stretching back
Book List
Original research into the beneficial effects of promoting gender equity via grant-making.

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