Power and Possibility: The Role of Donor Organizing | Nonprofit Quarterly | Civic News. Empowering Nonprofits. Advancing Justice.

"Co-produced with Solidaire Network, this series offers firsthand narratives from donor organizers deeply embedded in justice struggles to illuminate how individuals with wealth can authentically align with grassroots movements. Wealthy people cause a lot of harm with how they spend and invest money. In fact, the more unequal a society gets, the greater the harm. Contrary to what Andrew Carnegie and others have claimed, charitable giving does not meaningfully reduce these harms."

"Consider US foundation asset growth. In 1979, US foundation assets stood at $34.7 billion (about $150 billion in 2025 dollars). As of September 30, 2025, that number is $1.757 trillion, more than 10 times greater, even after adjusting for inflation. But few would argue that we are living in a more equitable society. The data show the opposite is true."

"The mega-rich philanthrocapitalists who say they want to address social problems certainly don't want to redistribute money or power, and their actions often make things worse. In fact, rather than address root causes of inequality, as critics such as Edgar Villaneuva, Anand Giridharadas, Hali Lee, and Vu Le have pointed out, charitable giving typically legitimates it. By giving away a little of what they have, the rich justify holding on to a lot."

Wealthy people cause significant harm through spending and investments, and rising inequality increases societal harm. Charitable giving by the wealthy does not meaningfully reduce those harms and often legitimates inequality by allowing retention of power and assets. US foundation assets grew from $34.7 billion in 1979 to $1.757 trillion by September 30, 2025, showing massive wealth concentration despite inflation adjustment. Mega-rich philanthrocapitalists typically avoid redistributing money or power and invest assets for maximum returns without addressing harmful consequences. A smaller group of wealthy people actively redistributes wealth and helps build systems that promote collective well-being.

Read at Nonprofit Quarterly | Civic News. Empowering Nonprofits. Advancing Justice.