Some may view his attitude as too hard-hearted. Although some affluent persons may give to aggrandize their reputation, most givers are moved by a religious or compassionate desire to help the less fortunate. The most effective giving empowers recipients to live their lives more fully, preserving the respect of both giver and receiver. It is essential that their boards be comprised of trustees of integrity who can provide oversight skills. By soliciting and allocating funds to help the battle against poverty, disease, injustice and abuse, these organizations strengthen our democracy.
Foundations created by wealthy individuals enable one generation to pass on wealth to the next.
They insisted on outstanding trustees, but relegated staff to a minor role. Although privately administered, they soon served a public role. Of special interest is a case study of the Carnegie Foundation, whose trustees, after the founder's death, turned the organization into a racist and reactionary machine, blocking the advancement of immigrants and the underprivileged, and defending the privileges of the elite. Today, public and private agencies often collaborate. Church women launched many of today's private welfare efforts, based on the social gospel.