As long as large segments of humanity are suffering chronic poverty and dying from treatable diseases, organized giving can save or enhance millions of lives. With the law providing little guidance, ethics has a crucial role to play in ensuring that the philanthropic practices of individuals, foundations, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), governments, and international agencies are morally sound and effective. This book brings together an international group of distinguished philosophers, social scientists, lawyers, and practitioners to identify and address the most urgent moral questions ... More

As long as large segments of humanity are suffering chronic poverty and dying from treatable diseases, organized giving can save or enhance millions of lives. With the law providing little guidance, ethics has a crucial role to play in ensuring that the philanthropic practices of individuals, foundations, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), governments, and international agencies are morally sound and effective. This book brings together an international group of distinguished philosophers, social scientists, lawyers, and practitioners to identify and address the most urgent moral questions arising today in the practice of philanthropy. The topics discussed include the psychology of giving, the reasons for and against a duty to give, the accountability of NGOs and foundations, the questionable marketing practices of some NGOs, the moral priorities that should inform NGO decisions about how to target and design their projects, the good and bad effects of aid, and the charitable tax deduction along with the water's edge policy now limiting its reach. This groundbreaking volume can help bring our practice of charity closer to meeting the vital needs of the millions worldwide who depend on voluntary contributions for their very lives.