In American Foundations, Mark Dowie cogently describes, examines, and critiques the functions, roles, and structures of foundations in America, their idiosyncrasies in both failures and successes. He offers a short history of the field and launches into balanced appraisals of foundations' contributions to education, science, health, the environment, food production, energy, the arts, civil society, imagination, democracy, and investments. He argues that foundations have had considerable influence in the past and are increasingly important today as the government cuts back. All in all, an excellent book. -- Teresa Odendahl, Executive Director, National Network of Grantmakers Wave-making author Mark Dowie brings the nearly half-trillion-dollar foundation world under his anti-'drag anchor' microscope, analyzing foundations' past achievements and failures and the critically taking the institutions to task for directing their grants so often away from 'root causes.' Dowie shakes up the complacency, myopia, and insulation of these giant foundations by naming names and places. He keeps readers flipping the pages with eager anticipation as to how these institutions can address abuses of power and wealth. Dowie is a scholar and a muckraker, which makes this book a standout event. -- Ralph Nader Mark Dowie, America's foremost investigative reporter, skewers the 'philanthocracy' -- liberal as well as conservative -- with masterful precision and care. If you have money, or you would just like to have money, consider this book assigned reading. -- Barbara Ehrenreich, author of Nickel and Dimed: On Not Getting By in America American Foundations is a major and remarkable work. Dowie's specific judgments will be widely debated. His fiercely independent assessment of organized philanthropy is a wholesome challenge to the soporific and captive trade literature. -- Michael Lerner, President, Jenifer Altman Foundation This is an important work. Mark Dowie is offering a critique of philanthropy that is long overdue. This book I hope will spark debate within philanthropy and outside as well, and perhaps empower those whose feelings are reflected here to speak out without fear. Foundation staffs and boards should read it. It will be on the reading lists of the plethora of fundraising schools that are springing up all over the country. It should also be used in classes on civil society and contemporary America. -- Stephen Viederman, former President, Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation
Mark Dowie is the author of five other books. He is the recipient of sixteen journalism awards, including three National Magazine Awards.
As usual for the award-winning Dowie, this book is right on time. -- Jim Dulzo Metrotimes (Detroit) His studies of specific foundations and their programs are fascinating. -- Mary Carroll Booklist This book is a thorough review of the world of American philanthropy. -- Colin Greer Whole Earth
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