Is philanthropy, by its extremely nature, a threat to today’s democracy? Though we might laud wealthy individuals who give away their cash for society’s advantage, Just Giving displays how such generosity not merely isn’t the unassailable great we believe it to be but may also undermine democratic beliefs and problem aspirations of justice. Big philanthropy is usually often a fitness of power, the conversion of private assets into public impact. And it is a kind of power that’s largely unaccountable, often about Just Offering: Why Philanthropy Is normally Failing Democracy and How It Can Perform Better perpetual, and lavishly tax-advantaged. The affluent-and their foundations-reap vast benefits even as they influence policy without accountability. And small philanthropy, or ordinary charitable giving, can be problematic as well. Charity, it turns out, does surprisingly little to provide for all those in want and sometimes worsens inequality.

These outcomes are designed by the policies define and structure philanthropy. When, how much, also to whom people give is influenced by laws governing everything from the creation of foundations and nonprofits to generous taxes exemptions for donations of money and real estate. Rob Reich asks: What attitude and what policies should democracies possess concerning people who provide money aside for public purposes?