With contributions by notable scholars from six different nations, Private Funds, Public Purpose is the first work in decades to offer a better understanding of philanthropic foundations at the international level. This timely volume assesses the capabilities of numerous foundations in various countries, examines the contexts within which they function, and offers comparative analyses of the historical, structural, legal, and social factors that have shaped their development.

The contributors also examine and compare different styles of foundation management, as found in the United States and the United Kingdom, and provide case studies of the development of foundation communities.

Private Funds, Public Purpose is a unique and important source of up-to-date information for researchers interested in the nonprofit sector and philanthropy, as well as for professionals employed by foundations or international organizations. It is also an excellent textbook for graduate-level courses in nonprofit and philanthropy studies.