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From This Collection

Donor-advised funds: A controversial form of charity

Apr 29, 2014
They're a growing method of giving, but they're not without critics.
Today marks Giving Tuesday.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

College philanthropy hits new high

Feb 12, 2014
Donations to higher ed reached $33.8 billion in 2013.

Why do big donors give away millions?

Dec 12, 2013
Recognition and peer pressure can motivate some. But donors -- and fundraisers -- say most people don't give millions unless they really care about the cause.
Diana and Roy Vagelos
courtesy of Columbia University Medical Center

Peter and Jennifer Buffett: Questioning parts of the philanthropy business

Dec 11, 2013
Warren Buffett's son Peter and his wife Jennifer wife talk about their ideas on philanthropy.

Philanthropy's edge: Innovation and a long time horizon

Dec 10, 2013
Philanthropists say they can take risks that government just can't -- which helps them tackle the root causes of big problems.
President of The Rockefeller Foundation Judith Rodin speaks onstage at the United Nations Every Woman Every Child Dinner 2012 on September 25, 2012 in New York, United States. 
Larry Busacca/Getty Images

What's wrong with giving money away? Even generosity has critics

Dec 10, 2013
Each year, Americans give away billions of dollars. Some of those donations, particularly the large ones, come in for criticism.
Flickr/nocklebeast

For public good, not for profit.

The realities -- and pitfalls -- of giving away money

Dec 10, 2013
One philanthropist passes on lessons she's learned, including the risks of "following your passion" without doing your homework

The roots -- and some results -- of the charitable tax deduction

Dec 9, 2013
The tax break for charitable deductions reflects American attitudes about government, and about the best way to help others.

Charitable foundations aren't just for the über-rich

Dec 9, 2013
There are some 80,000 private charitable foundations operating in the U.S. today, and you don't have to be crazy rich to launch a one.