[Review] How We Give Now: A Philanthropic Guide for the Rest of Us

Every day, we give. In many, many ways. Though we might not realize it, we are constantly giving our time, our money, and, as Lucy Bernholz, senior research scholar at Stanford University's Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society (PACS), reminds us, our personal data. In How We Give Now: A Philanthropic Guide for the Rest of Us, Bernholz asks us — the non-wealthy givers — to expand our definition of philanthropy to include the numerous ways in which we are already participating in society, and to do so with more consciousness around how we give.

In writing this book, Bernholz engaged individuals and groups across the nation in reflective discussions about all the ways in which they direct their private resources for public benefit, beyond what is traditionally captured in official giving data. The stories people shared — in big cities and rural towns — are brought to life in the book and highlight the array of giving options we have.

Over the last few decades, income inequality in the United States has been worsening. As the wealthy get wealthier, their contributions are fueling a steady rise in charitable contributions, but fewer and fewer families overall are engaging in philanthropy and volunteering. To help us better understand why, Bernholz presents a broader "givingscape" — one that includes all the ways we — "the rest of us" — are asked to give in today's fast-paced digital environment....

Read the full review by Sarina Dayal.