Philanthropy and Public Policy
Philanthropy is an act or gift done or made for humanitarian purposes, according to Merrian-Webster . Organized philanthropy, the body established charitable nonprofit organizations, has a long history of inspiring and influencing shifts in public policy. From the early pioneers (Carnegie, Rockefeller, Sage) to the philanthrocapitalists of the 21st century (Bill & Melida Gates, Warren Buffet and Bono) .
Philanthropies have been established with a mix of earned revenues, inherited wealth and charitable donations. Thus the economic downturn of 2008 left philanthropic organizations with diminished capacity to contribute to nonprofit organizations. Likewise charitable giving from individuals, the largest source of charitable contributions in the United States, was significantly diminished. The nonprofit and philanthropic sectors are still experiencing the ripple effects of this uncertain economic time in 2012.
Public Policy 45100 provides a framework within which to analyze and understand the changing nature of private philanthropy and its importance to society at large. This course will distinguish between charity, donations for immediate basic needs, and philanthropic giving for strategic policy oriented purposes . It will examine historical case studies of philanthropic investments into public systems. It will also address turning points in public policy history, where philanthropic freedom was questioned due to its relationships with social movements. Finally it will review current trends and consider how strategic philanthropic investments have directly impacted advocacy for change, protections, or reforms of given public policies.
Special attention will be given to private philanthropy’s influence in social movements, including public school reform, public housing transformation, health care reform and community development. Discussions of leadership strategies, outcome measurement and philanthropic impact will be woven into most class sessions. Course materials will include touchtone literature in the philanthropic field as well as topic specific articles.
The course will meet once weekly in seminar format. Most classes will feature lectures by distinguished speakers from philanthropy and public service. Full class participation and completion of required readings will be expected for every class session. The online Chalk System of communication will be used to post course materials as well as facilitate the general exchange of information between class meetings.
