Toward a Comparative Understanding of Foundations

Abstract

Reviewing information on philanthropic foundations in the United States, Germany, and 10 other countries, this article presents an overview assessment of the major similarities and difficulties involved in cross-national comparisons of this particular organizational form. Over the past two or three decades, foundations have experienced significant growth in many parts of the world, spurred by enabling policies devised by policymakers eager to generate private resources for public purposes. This article comparatively discusses relationships between foundations and other sectors, including the state; the purposes, approaches, and roles foundations pursue; and what makes these institutions distinctive. It concludes with some policy considerations.