This book will be considered important reading for political philosophers, doctoral students, and theorists interested in the connection of civil society and philanthropy. It outlines more clearly than most previously published work the implications of the conception of philanthropy as pursuit of the common good by private means.
Bruce Sievers
Bruce Sievers, currently a Visiting Scholar at the Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society at Stanford University, has worked for more than 35 years in philanthropic organizations, including a decade as executive director of the California Council for the Humanities and almost two decades as the CEO of the Walter and Elise Haas Fund. Known to view with skepticism fads that appear frequently in the field of philanthropy (see his article, “If Pigs Had Wings: The Appeals and Limits of Venture Philanthropy”), Sievers has taught and written extensively about the historical and conceptual background of civil society, the values of philanthropy, and assumptions behind contemporary practice in nonprofit work. He holds a PhD in political science (political theory) from Stanford and continues to speak and write about the blending of theory and practice. Serving on nonprofit boards, advising foundations, backpacking, and beekeeping keep him grounded in the realities of the world.