Strategic Giving: The Art And Science of Philanthropy

by Frumkin, Peter

• ISBN13: 9780226266268
• ISBN10: 0226266265
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-09-01
• Publisher: UNIV OF CHICAGO PRESS

Summary

The philanthropic landscape is changing dramatically as a new generation of wealthy donors seeks to leave its mark on the public sphere. Peter Frumkin reveals in Strategic Giving why these donors could benefit from having a comprehensive plan to guide their giving. And with this thoughtful and timely book, he provides the much-needed framework to understand and develop this kind of philanthropic strategy. After listening for years to scores of individual and institutional funders discuss the challenges of giving wisely, Frumkin argues here that contemporary philanthropy requires a thorough rethinking of its underlying logic. Philanthropy should be seen, he contends, as both a powerful way to meet public needs and a meaningful way to express private beliefs and commitments. He demonstrates that finding a way to simultaneously fulfill both of these functions is crucial to the survival of philanthropy and its potential to support pluralism in society. And he goes on to identify the five essential elements donors must consider when developing a philanthropic strategythe vehicle through which giving will flow, the way impact will be achieved, the level of engagement and profile sought, the time frame for giving, and the underlying purpose of the gift. Frumkin's point is that donors must understand strategic giving as the integration of these five critical dimensions to giving. Essential reading for donors, researchers, and anyone involved with the world of philanthropy, Strategic Giving provides a new basis for understanding philanthropic effectiveness and a promising new way for philanthropy to achieve the legitimacy that has at times eluded it.

Author Biography

Peter Frumkin is professor of public affairs at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs and director of the RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service, both at the University of Texas at Austin. He is the author of On Being Nonprofit.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Introduction	1	(28)
Philanthropy and the Public Sphere	29	(26)
Central Problems in Philanthropy: Effectiveness, Accountability, and Legitimacy	55	(35)
Donors and Professionals	90	(35)
The Idea of Strategic Giving	125	(21)
Dimensions of Philanthropic Value	146	(28)
Logic Models: Theories of Change, Leverage, and Scale	174	(43)
Institutions and Vehicles	217	(36)
Giving Styles	253	(40)
Time Frames for Giving	293	(38)
Measuring, Knowing, and Acting	331	(32)
Conclusion	363	(14)
Notes	377	(34)
Bibliography	411	(26)
Index	437