Philanthropy and endowed foundation are vitally important institutions of modern society, yet in recent years, they've faced new threats such as declining resources and questions of accountability and performance. To address these questions, individual philanthropists and foundation leaders have looked to strategic philanthropy to become more effective and efficient.

This important book provides an overview of creative philanthropy along with an analysis of its theory and practice. The authors spell out the implications of their study for management and policy and provide readers with vital tools and techniques. Drawing on case study examples and incorporating sections on key questions and dilemmas, this revealing book covers:

• the philanthropic deficit
• finding a distinctive role to do more with less
• characteristics of the creative foundation
• beyond strategic philanthropy
• the strength of creative philanthropy
• developing creative foundations and philanthropic practices.

Essential reading for all those who study or work in foundations, philanthropy and non-profit organizations, this volume clearly navigates a path through this significant yet highly complex subject area.

'That philanthropy, a quintessential institution of civil society, is in great need of renewal is without doubt -- what such a renewal might entail however is hotly debated. Anheier and Leat chart a clear course through this debate, offer a new model of philanthropy for the 21st century and explore its implications for foundation policy and management. This is applied social science at its best: conceptual, empirically grounded, constructive and practical.' - Professor Lord Anthony Giddens, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, London School of Economics, UK

'Philanthropic Foundations are puzzling social institutions. In this book that challenges both supporters and critics of Foundations, Anheier and Leat offer their original account of the unique role these anomalous institutions can best play in societies. Their account is important not only to those who establish, manage, and operate these institutions, but also to those who regulate, benefit from, or feel threatened by these powerful institutions. The last group includes all of us citizens.' - Mark H. Moore, Hauser Professor of Nonprofit Organizations. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

'That philanthropy, a quintessential institution of civil society, is in great need of renewal is without doubt -- what such a renewal might entail however is hotly debated. Anheier and Leat chart a clear course through this debate, offer a new model of philanthropy for the 21st century and explore its implications for foundation policy and management. This is applied social science at its best: conceptual, empirically grounded, constructive and practical.' - Lord Anthony Giddens, London School of Economics, UK

'Philanthropic Foundations are puzzling social institutions. In this book that challenges both supporters and critics of Foundations, Anheier and Leat offer their original account of the unique role these anomalous institutions can best play in societies. Their account is important not only to those who establish, manage, and operate these institutions, but also to those who regulate, benefit from, or feel threatened by these powerful institutions. The last group includes all of us citizens.' - Mark H. Moore, Harvard University, USA

'Anheier (public affairs, UCLA, and London School of Economics) and Leat (CASS Business School, London, UK) argue that current approaches in philanthropy are not effective enough and that foundations in the US, UK, Europe, and Australia need to transform themselves for the twenty-first century. They describe how foundations can use a creative approach, what it involves, how it can be managed, problems that may arise, and end results. Creativity and innovation are discussed, followed by vignettes and nine case studies of creative philanthropy in organizations.' -- Art Book News Annual, Winter 2007

Helmut K. Anheier is Professor and Director of the Center for Civil Society at UCLA's School of Public Affairs, and Centennial Professor at the London School of Economics.

Diana Leat is Research and Development Director Carnegie UK Trust, and Visiting Research Fellow UCLA.