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Book
Reviews
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Philanthropy and Foundations
The Guide to Intelligent Giving: Make a Difference
in the World — and in Your Own Life
Joanna L. Krotz
Hearst Books, 2009
H
igh-net-worth U.S. households are the target audience for the Guide to
Intelligent Giving. The book addresses issues from the pros and cons of
creating a family foundation and how to set one up, to engaging children
in philanthropy and building a philanthropic legacy with them, to new ways of
giving. The book’s topical format allows the reader to easily turn to a particular
area of interest, such as the difference between charitable remainder trusts and
charitable lead trusts, reasons for and costs associated with a donor consultant,
forming a nonprofit corporation, and honing your nonprofit management skills.
Other topics include joining a board, becoming a high-profile fundraiser, the
advantages of long-term giving, the disadvantages of restricted gifts, and the
pros and cons of establishing a foundation in perpetuity.
Krotz scatters clarifying and thought-provoking questions throughout
the book and includes sample forms for managing grant requests and site
visits, as well as a chart comparing the various costs and tax implications of
donor-advised funds, supporting organizations, and private foundations. In
its last chapter, “Ways and Means,” Krotz has compiled a list of more than
one hundred philanthropy advisors, donor education centers, foundation and
family-giving advisors, watchdog groups, funder affinity groups, and relevant
blogs. —Alice Garrard
International Issues
Globalization, Philanthropy, and Civil Society:
Projecting Institutional Logics Abroad
David C. Hammack, Steven Heydemann (eds.)
Indiana University Press, 2009
t a time when an emergent global civil society is advancing the idea of
universal standards with respect to governance and accountability, one
Aof the key questions about global philanthropy is when, how, or even
whether foundations can be effective agents in strengthening civil society
abroad. Taking a social sciences approach to the question, the editors of
Globalization, Philanthropy and Civil Society present a range of case studies
that illustrate how foundations and nongovernmental organizations project their
“logics” — i.e., “models for the organization of civil society, foundations, advocacy,
entrepreneurialism, and public health” — abroad and how such models
are received by local nonprofits and communities.
The ten chapters are informed by a series of big questions, such as: Do
funders’ institutional models limit the effectiveness of local grantees engaged in
building civil society? How are Western organizations implicated in patron-client
relationships governing the distribution of resources and political power? And, how
does culture affect a funder’s ability to adapt its strategies to local contexts?
The book does not offer definitive answers to the myriad questions it raises.
It does, however, offer diverse perspectives on topics ranging from attempts to
import South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a model for transitional
justice to the advocacy strategies of Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth
in four different countries. For all the detail included in each chapter, Globalization,
Philanthropy and Civil Society, like the many variations in the local contexts it
examines, is a hodge-podge of ideas, arguments, and conclusions. Informative and
provocative? Yes. The last word on the subject? No. —Kyoko Uchida
Social Justice Philanthropy
A Philanthropic Covenant With Black America
Rodney M. Jackson (ed.)
John Wiley & Sons, 2009
compilation of eight essays written by leaders within the African-
American community, A Philanthropic Covenant With Black America
Apaints a compelling picture of the realities of black life in America
and argues that a renewed sense of philanthropy within black communities
is vital to strengthening those communities. The book delves into
many topics related to philanthropy within the black community, including
the roles of religion, civic engagement and volunteerism in shaping
black philanthropy; the important role of family and friends in black
communities; and the African-American response to hurricanes Katrina
and Rita. It addresses both micro and macro views of African-American
philanthropy, with a particular emphasis on the role of the individual in
the black community and a passionate belief that what is good for the
African-American community is also beneficial — indeed, critical — to
the overall health of American society.
Don’t pass on A Philanthropic Covenant because you don’t consider
yourself to be connected to or focused on the African-American community.
Whether the topic is community fundraising, civic engagement, the
development of children and youth as a volunteer resource, or the operation
of an effective giving circle, the advice and multifaceted approach
to philanthropy presented by the book’s contributors will benefit any individual
— indeed, any nonprofit — looking to strengthen his or her cultural
competency and philanthropic effectiveness. —Gillian Sciacca
Management and Leadership
You’ve Gotta Have Heart: Achieving a Purpose
Beyond Profit in the Social Sector
Cass Wheeler
Amacom, 2009
ass Wheeler, CEO of the American Heart Association 1997–2008,
has penned a management book, and in it he addresses the hun-
for charitable-minded business advice. The days of charities
Cger
as scrappy little institutions, muddling by on their wits and the kindness
of strangers, are long gone, he says. Rather, he espouses a more pragmatic,
clear-eyed view of what nonprofits need to do to succeed that
entails adopting many tactics from the for-profit world.
He offers advice on both the more regimented aspects of nonprofit
work — business model development, branding, collaboration and
partnerships — as well as the traditional nuts-and-bolts aspects of
charity work — advocacy, volunteer management, developing a mission
statement. He weaves his discussion of business-minded practicality
and charitable-minded idealism into a presentation that does justice
to both without slighting either. Throughout, Wheeler humanizes his
advice and guidance with stories of lessons learned during his tenure
at the American Heart Association.
Plainspoken and straightforward, his words ring with pragmatism based
on years of experience, success, and the occasional setback. And as he
notes early on, anyone moved to pick up a book like this — whether she’s an
executive, a board member, a staffer, or a volunteer — is, in their own way,
already well on their way to being a nonprofit leader. —Tracy Kaufman
54 | Philanthropy Annual 2009