ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the emergence of the philanthropic and donor sectors in education policy in an era of growing inequality, and the implications of that influence for equity and democratic participation. It explores the rise and influence of venture philanthropy and wealthy donors as key players in the education policy arena and the implications of their influence on education policy, leadership, and the public good. The chapter focuses on the intersection of philanthropy and charter schools, a domain in which policy influence and sector growth are emblematic of the broader trend of private-public policymaking in US education. Critiques of traditional philanthropy range from them being too powerful and immune from public input to being too accessible to organizations seeking to realize social change. The emergence of venture philanthropy signals a shift in funding and advocacy paradigms that is reflected in the language the new foundations use to describe their funding interactions.
