ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the attributes that distinguish foundations as private actors and how they can exert influence on the international aid architecture. It examines some of the structural and operational constraints and limitations on foundations as an organizational type, before outlining the criticisms and controversies that have accompanied recent development interventions. The influence of foundations pales in comparison to the ever-resilient nation-state and those organs established by states such as international organizations (IOs), which have been progressively delegated the responsibility to cope with the demands of interdependence. Foundations also generally do not retain the weight of politically and economically commanding transnational corporations or the moral authority of networked international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) with a robust advocacy profile and strong linkages to social movements. Finally, the chapter looks at future directions and trends in institutional philanthropy and what these might mean for the future of global governance.
