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American Philanthropy in Its Global Context

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Philanthropy has become a staple of American society and culture. Associations, endowments, foundations, and limited dividend companies have funded education, culture, healthcare, religion, and soc...
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  • 18 March 2025
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Philanthropy has become a staple of American society and culture. Associations, endowments, foundations, and limited dividend companies have funded education, culture, healthcare, religion, and social welfare.

Yet American philanthropy is not as exceptional as it appears to European observers. American philanthropy was built upon European and Mediterranean precedents and evolved through the constant influence of philanthropic practices in other parts of the world.

This book explores how philanthropic practices and institutions were introduced into American society and how they were Americanised during the 19th century. It provides a comprehensive history of American philanthropy and positions it within its wider global context.

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Price: $119.95
Pages: 224
Publisher: Bristol University Press
Imprint: Policy Press
Series: Global Perspectives on Philanthropy and Public Good
Publication Date: 18 March 2025
ISBN: 9781447367475
Format: Hardcover
BISACs: SOCIAL SCIENCE / Philanthropy & Charity, Charities, voluntary services and philanthropy, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities / General, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Public Policy / General, Social welfare, social policy and social services, Law: equity and trusts, foundations
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“Thomas Adam has done it again! This is a concise survey of American philanthropy told as a series of case studies of specific institutions and events. It places the US in a global context and will serve as a readable, reliable guide to charity in America.” Stanley N. Katz, Princeton University
Thomas Adam is Full Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Arkansas.

Introduction

1. The Great Diversity of Associations

2. Disestablishment, Philanthropy, and the Survival of Christianity in American Society

3. Doing Good and Making a Profit

4. Endowing Religion and Education

5. The Contested Space of Foundations in American Society

6. Global Contexts, Connections, and Programmes

7. The Expansion of Associational Life and Culture

8. The Coming of Age of American Philanthropy

Conclusion