ABSTRACT
Philanthropy continues to grow in the United States and in many other nations. The number of foundations continues to proliferate. The range of forms of private giving is becoming increasingly extensive. The growth in philanthropy is an overarching trend affecting the field. As philanthropy often starts with the individual, some donors are foregoing creating new institutions designed to be endowed and to exist in perpetuity. Policies significantly influence the composition of philanthropy. For instance, changes to tax laws or policies could significantly affect philanthropic activities. Strategic philanthropy can be defined as philanthropy used by companies or organizations to benefit their own business interests. Strategic philanthropy often involves specifically targeted philanthropic activities with special issues or causes to be more effective in achieving its commercial or organizational goals. Since 2006, Marga Inc. has been coordinating the Race and Equity in Philanthropy Group, which brings together foundations of varying types to discuss how their institutions craft inclusive policies and practices.
