What are the limits of philanthropy? As Mark D. Constantine reminds us in his new book, Wit and Wisdom, “Organized philanthropy—while small in comparison to the charitable contributions of individuals—is miniscule when compared to the budgets and resources of federal, state, and local governments. Philanthropy must respond to the profound challenges of 2009, but there are limits to what philanthropy can and should do.”
Faced with declines in asset values as a result of the economic downturn, program officers will be thinking even more strategically to devise approaches for effective change.
When dealing with complex race and poverty issues, they can draw upon the professional experience and knowledge of philanthropic leaders who understand the challenges to promoting social and economic equity. In Constantine's collection of interviews, a number of individuals in the philanthropic community share their perspectives and advice for current and future leaders: Ambassador James A. Joseph, Linetta J. Gilbert, C. Thompson (Tom) Wacaster, Gayle Williams, Sybil Jordan Hampton, Jack E. Murrah, Sherry P. Magill, Karl N. Stauber, M. Lynn Huntley, and Emmett D. Carson.
These interviews will provide inspiration and candid insight that will help continue the dialogue on what philanthropy can do to advance social justice, diversity, and other key areas.
Mark Constantine's Wit and Wisdom: Unleashing the Philanthropic Imagination is published by Emerging Practioners in Philanthropy (EPIP).
Click here to learn more and download the book.
Tip: View a list of related readings from our Catalog of Nonprofit Literature.
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