Books & Ideas

Philanthropy and the conservative legal movement

Steven M. Teles’ book, The Rise of the Conservative Legal Movement, describes the successful role philanthropy played on the right and left to bolster a legal movement advancing their causes.

Strategy when times are bad

If you, like most fundraisers, are facing difficult times in today’s economy, this e-book will help you think through strategy—and tactics—to navigate these stormy waters.


The open road and the good society: a review of Matthew Crawford’s Why We Drive

Matthew Crawford’s new book, Why We Drive: Towards a Philosophy of the Open Road, casts a skeptical eye towards the efforts to “manage” our lives—a trend we see anywhere from the open road to modern philanthropy.

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A conversation with Jeremy Beer on his new e-book, Fundraising When Times Are Bad: A Guide for Nonprofit Leaders

This economic downturn caught us all off guard. Nicole Rizkallah sat down with Jeremy Beer to discuss his new e-book, Fundraising When Times Are Bad, and his thoughts about fundraising through a pandemic and an economic downturn.


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Promoting prudence: a review of Jeremy Beer’s Fundraising When Times Are Bad

A review of Jeremy Beer’s new e-book, Fundraising When Times Are Bad: A Guide for Nonprofit Leaders. While commending practical wisdom Beer’s new e-book provides guidance to nonprofit leaders navigating “bad times.”

David Brooks’s weak attempt at promoting civil society

In “The Second Mountain,” David Brooks imagines a healthier and happier society—but he fails to acknowledge or understand the robust conversation about strengthening civil society already taking place.


Warranted wariness of philanthropic “problem-solving”

Civil society should not be seen by experts, or funders, merely as a tool to solve social problems.

Philanthropy is power — for better and worse

Considering the principle of “subsidiarity” as a way to untangle the complex relationship between philanthropy, power, and justice.


Making generous children: a review of “The Gift Inside the Box” by Adam and Allison Grant

With increasing wealth inequality, more parents are more concerned to foster generosity in their kids. A new children’s book from Adam and Allison Grant seeks to teach children about gift-giving.

Is the business of business business?

Sector-bending has always been a symptom of a larger intellectual problem: utopianism.




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