Philanthropy and Civil Society: Comparative Perspectives on Private Solutions to Public Problems

Abstract

This article outlines a graduate course about private philanthropy in a public affairs program. Using an experiential learning model called student philanthropy, the course provides students the opportunity to examine philanthropic behavior at a global scale and advances a major debate in the field of philanthropy that compares the merits of giving locally versus giving internationally.

Keywords:

• Private philanthropy
• giving locally
• giving internationally
• comparative graduate course

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank Professor David Campbell from Binghamton University for years of and continued collaboration and mentorship on building public affairs curriculum about philanthropy. Conversations with David have very much inspired and influenced the development of this course.

Notes

1. The intersection of nonprofit/philanthropic and policy curriculum is increasingly important for public policy/public affairs graduate programs, and thus is an important and meaningful place to integrate comparative policy perspectives. According to the accrediting body, NASPAA, a nonprofit specialization is the top specialization for graduate students in member programs.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Susan Appe

Susan Appe is an assistant professor at Rockefeller College at the University at Albany, NY, USA. Her research focuses on government–nonprofit relations and the dimensions and evolution of the nonprofit sector. She examines how government policy influences and shapes civil society and nonprofit organizations; how and why nonprofit organizations respond to government regulation and policy; and the relationship between civil society, foreign aid and development, particularly in the context of Latin America. She has published articles related to government–nonprofit relations and foreign aid and teaches courses on nonprofit management, philanthropy, public administration, and public policy.