ABSTRACT
The case studies in this chapter illustrate the main argument: the dual independence combined with the governance structure of foundations creates private agency unparalleled in self-sufficiency and autonomy. This independence is also the source of their relative strengths and weaknesses. As a result, foundations can suffer from chronic signal and incentive deficiencies, i.e., the benign fallibility syndrome. The nine in-depth case studies are from different countries and fields. They show how foundations addressed the benign fallibility syndrome and how the organizational and political environment influenced their performance. Pedagogical features enhance the utility of the cases presented.
