Finally, as in the past, philanthropy can be a means of purchasing respectability or covering up misdeeds. Similarly, Charles Keating, the most famous of the savings bank swindlers, was one of the main benefactors of Mother Teresa's order. Occasional controversy will not stop philanthropy continuing to play a key role in a system where the state is slimming down, the law does not require property to be left to one's offspring, and the self-made man is still venerated. I'm many years away from wanting to divert a lot of my attention in that direction. One thing is for sure.
Many companies undertake to match donations made by individual employees.
The Atlantic Monthly , New York, February 1997.