8 May 2025
10 min
Top 25 Must-Read Books on Philanthropy and Giving Back

Classic essay outlining the responsibility of the wealthy to give back

A donor’s call for more transparency, trust, and innovation in modern giving

How the rich are trying to save the world, and the implications of it

Investigates the hidden power of modern philanthropists

A powerful critique of how philanthropy can undermine democracy

Philosophical guide to impactful giving

Practical strategies for maximizing social impact

A modern guide to impactful philanthropy for all income levels

An academic and comprehensive collection of writings on philanthropy

A typology of donor motivations and how to approach each one

Challenges traditional thinking about nonprofit overhead and fundraising

Explores race, equity, and healing in philanthropy

How elite philanthropy may perpetuate inequality

Merging philanthropy and entrepreneurship for sustainable impact

A deep dive into the Effective Altruism movement

Guiding the increasingly changing world of philanthropy

Why traditional charity often fails and how to fix it

A moral argument for personal giving, with practical advice

Stories of women overcoming oppression through aid and philanthropy

Includes insight into giving and well-being from a personal perspective

The story behind microfinance and socially responsible innovation

Tracks the evolution of philanthropy in the U.S

Profiles, data, and key stories on American charitable giving

How to give effectively and make a real difference with your donations

A look at education's role in civic life and philanthropic support
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