Smart philanthropy: Lessons in how to give

A controversial look at philanthropy DIRE predictions that the financial crisis will result in a calamitous decline in philanthropy are probably exaggerated. In America, still the most generous of nations despite the financial-markets crisis, total giving has risen every year since before the Great Depression, except in 1987 when the stock market crashed. But even if the pessimists are right, it only reinforces the need for every philanthropic dollar to achieve the greatest possible impact. How to do this is the theme of “Money Well Spent”. Written by Paul Brest, of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and his former colleague, Hal Harvey, now of the ClimateWorks Foundation, the book dispenses practical advice to aspiring philanthropists and provides examples of the ways they can influence the world—from education to climate change to the arts. ... (link)