Once largely confined to the biggest cities in the mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes states, philanthropic foundations now play a significant role in nearly every state. Wide-ranging and incisive, the essays in American Philanthropic Foundations: Regional Difference and Change examine the origins, development, and accomplishments of philanthropic foundations in key cities and regions of the United States. Each contributor assesses foundation efforts to address social and economic inequalities, and to encourage cultural and creative life in their home regions and elsewhere. This fascinating and timely study of contemporary America's philanthropic foundations vividly illustrates foundations' commonalities and differences as they strive to address pressing public problems.

Contributions by: Alan Abramson, Natalie Alm, Kate Anderson, Helmut Anheier, Jessica Elfenbein, Peter Frumkin, Elise Hagesfeld, David Howard, Martin Lehfeldt, Beth Lovelady, Heather MacIndoe, Arleda Martinez, Carol J. Silverman, Steven Rathgeb Smith, Stefan Toepler, Jamil Zainaldin