Kettering Foundation

The Destiny of Wealth: An Analysis of American Philanthropic Foundations from a Chinese Perspective

By Zi Zhongyun

It is not unique to the United States for people to donate a portion of their wealth to philanthropic causes: the practice has existed since antiquity in China and elsewhere. In Europe, the Church operated various charities as early as the days of the Roman Empire. In China, traditional values have always included benevolence of those who become rich, and people enjoy giving to charities. Traditional charities, however, are different from modern foundations. By the 19th century, a small number of diverse private foundations could be found in Europe, Russia, and the United States.

But foundations—with their organization, large numbers, and huge scale, and crucial influence—are truly a unique American phenomenon of the 20th century.

The Chinese edition of The Destiny of Wealth received a prime award from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences for best works published from 2001-2003.

Kettering Foundation Press | 2007
342 pages
$19.95
Item #10166