CRC Highlight

New Book: The Great Philanthropists and the Problem of “Donor Intent,” by Martin Morse Wooster

Capital Research Center is pleased to announce the publication of The Great Philanthropists and the Problem of “Donor Intent” by Martin Morse Wooster.

First published in 1994, this third edition testifies to the continuing importance of the issue of donor intent. It contains 20,000 words of new material focused on the important case of the Robertson Foundation vs. Princeton University (which is still in court) and an update on the tragic battle over the Barnes Foundation. Also included is an Executive Summary, which conveniently outlines the contents of the book.

The mission of the Capital Research Center is to revitalize the best traditions of American philanthropy. We believe this monograph underscores the potential for good and for ill of foundations established to steward great wealth. The names of Rockefeller, Ford, and Carnegie loom large in the history of American capitalism, but the philanthropies that bear their names no longer reflect their values and intents. Martin Wooster, a senior fellow at Capital Research Center, tells a cautionary tale of what has gone wrong with many of this country’s preeminent foundations. But he also shows that other foundations, such as those established by Lynde and Harry Bradley, James Duke, and Conrad Hilton, safeguard their founders’ values and honor their intentions.

“I figured out how to make the money. You fellows [at the MacArthur Foundation] will have to figure out how to spend it.” Martin Wooster’s book shows why those remarks reputed to have been made by the late John D. MacArthur were deeply misguided. Wooster rejects this all-too-common attitude and offers wise counsel on how successful entrepreneurs can become successful philanthropists.

Copies may be purchased for $14.95 each by calling (202) 483-6900. The Great Philanthropists is also available for online purchase at www.capitalresearch.org. Discounts for quantity purchases are available.