Philanthropy in America is a giant undertaking. Every year, individuals, foundations, and businesses voluntarily give more than $373 billion to a breadth of good causes. In fact, donation rates in the U.S. are two to 20 times higher than in comparable nations. Some of the most significant ventures in our nation comes from privately funded efforts to solve social problems, enrich culture, and strengthen society.\Until now, though, there has been no definitive book on America's distinctive philanthropy. This authoritative, highly readable new reference fills that hole. In a single volume, it chronicles the greatest achievements of American private giving, profiles the most influential donors, collects the essential statistics on philanthropy, and summarizes the best ideas on charitable assistance that have been written or spoken. Readers attracted to fascinating history and quirky biographies will enjoy the lively narrative of this meaty new book.

"A lively compendium of great donors, major achievements, essential books & quotations, vital statistics & polls, history and timeline and more!"--Cover. Includes index.

How philanthropy fuels American success / by Karl Zinsmeister -- Great men and women of American philanthropy (1732-2015) -- Prominent U.S. living donors -- Philanthropy hall of fame: 56 great donors who changed our nation and world -- Major achievements of American philanthropy (1636-2015). Medicine & health. Education. Arts & culture. Nature, animals & parks. Prosperity. Religion. Public policy reform. Overseas. Local projects -- Essential books and articles on philanthropy -- Results of an original 2015 national poll -- Statistics on U.S. generosity -- Who gives most to charity? -- Why is charitable activity tax-protected? -- About the Philanthropy Roundtable -- About the author -- Timeline of American philanthropy.