Making philanthropy work for substantive social change instead of short-term solutions
7/10/2000
At a time of new wealth and increased giving, the authors of Robin Hood Was Right don't try to make the case for giving to charity; convincing people to give is not the issue, they say. Their aim, instead, is to make sure that giving is done wisely, ensuring that donations are used for substantive change instead of short-term solutions for social ills. They do it through an examination of the politics of giving, personal issues, the nuts-and-bolts of giving and financial planning, and the decision making process. Cartoons, sidebar quotes, and blank financial worksheets serve to make this an approachable source of information, but don't lessen the impact of the nonprofits featured throughout or the seriousness of the book's message. Collins, co-director of United for a Fair Economy and an heir to the Oscar Mayer fortune, and his co-authors are all long-time givers and activists in social change philanthropy.