A Gift Observed: Reflections on Philanthropy And Civilization

"A Gift Observed" has been privately published for a decade. It is a collection of essays on the nature of philanthropy that has circulated widely in the American foundation community. It asks critical questions about the nature of organized philanthropy. "A profound and provocative reflection on philanthropy as seen through many disciplinary lenses, from one of today's most remarkable nonprofit leaders. We follow along as a brilliant man teaches himself about philanthropy, creating a guide that will prompt reflection by serious beginners and experienced hands alike." --Katherine Fulton, The Monitor Institute and Global Business Network "This is one of the very best books I have read on philanthropy and foundations. It is at once highly personal and intellectually engaging in its reflections, and useful in a professional sense. It offers a rare combination of scholarly and experiential reflection, all from a voice that is rarely available to the public -- the honest and heartfelt thinking of a whip-smart foundation president. We offer this text gladly to the young foundations professionals in our network because it provides historical, cultural and political context for the challenges and paradoxes they face day-to-day at work." --Rusty Stahl, Executive Director, Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy