How can we think about philanthropy in a way that does not compound the very change that it seeks to address.
The book titled, "Winner Takes All - The Elite Charade of Changing the World," provides an intriguing critique of today's philanthropic world. In Wisconsin, there are 30,854 charitable organizations. Of this total, there are 18,725 organizations who identify as 501(c)(3) Public Charities (includes some religious organizations); 2,074 organizations who identify as 501(c)(3) 501(c)(3) Private and Public Foundations; and 10,055 organizations who identify as "Other 501(c) Nonprofit Organizations which includes civic leagues, chamber of commerce, veterans organizations, etc.
These organizations have an astounding economic impact. Wisconsin's charitable organizations employ over 12% of the states's workforce, and generates more than $49 billion in annual revenues. Wisconsin charities hold assets of almost $91 billion and give almost $586 million towards various efforts each year. Wisconsinites give over $2.7 billion to charity each year, representing 2.52 percent of household income.
Source: December 2016 Report - The Independent Sector Organization. The Independent Sector is the only national membership organization that brings together the charitable community—a diverse set of nonprofits, foundations, and corporations—to advance the common good. The charitable sector provides millions of people with powerful, independent, and voluntary methods for addressing the issues and expressing the values most important to them. Additional information can be found online at: https://independentsector.org/resource/state-profile-wisconsin/.
