This study shows how philanthropic foundations and their leaders help shape the American political agenda. The authors' central argument is that foundation leaders are members of a key social and political elite in American society. Relying on a survey of such leaders and on an examination of foundation public policy grants, the authors demonstrate that members of the foundation elite are among the most polarized groups in American society.This study shows how philanthropic foundations and their leaders help shape the American political agenda. The authors' central argument is that foundation leaders are members of a key social and political elite in American society. Relying on a survey of such leaders and on an examination of foundation public policy grants, the authors demonstrate that members of the foundation elite are among the most polarized groups in American society.Contrary to popular belief, those who control foundations seek to make American more progressive. Public policy oriented foundations are largely liberal in outlook and make grants primarily to liberal individuals and organizations. The authors examine the dilemmas that the existence of such organizations create for democratic political theory. The discussion is placed in the context of a historical overview of the role of foundations in American society; it will be of great interest to public policy professionals, political scientists, and those who track the direction of the national agenda.

An important contribution to the literature on foundations and public policy, this volume shows that despite the prominence of a few conservative foundations, a significant number of foundations attempt to push the national agenda in a liberal direction.

Tables and FiguresPrefaceIntroductionPhilanthropy and Social Change: A Historical OverviewFoundation Leaders and Their Place in the American Social StructureOther Views: Pluralism versus the Adversary CultureIdeological Divisions within the Foundation EliteThe Impact of IdeologyFoundations, Professionalism, and the Organizational DilemmaFoundations and Their Public Policy GrantsPolarization, Pluralism, and the Problem of Social OrderAppendix 1: Survey MethodologyAppendix 2: Samples of American ElitesAppendix 3: Questions and Their Factor Loadings on Each Factor Measuring Political Ideology among American ElitesAppendix 4: The Cover Letter and "Social Leadership in America: A Survey"ReferencesIndex