"Individuals and communites have historically reinforced values and shaped society in ways that best fit their own objectives. This exciting new study reevaluates the crucial interaction between religious, ethnic-, racial-, gender-, and class-based values and ideals and giving. It explores the nature and meaning of giving in urban America by examining the African American and Italian populations of Cleveland.".

"While philanthropists' intentions were not always clear, the evidence suggests that one consequence of giving was the reinforcement and reaffirmation of particular identities and ideals. Social control, traditionally viewed as the efforts of members of an elite class to force their ideals on others through management of charitable resources, was a more pervasive shared force in Cleveland society.

A variety of philanthropists achieved control in particular areas or specific communities, while other groups sacrificed their particular ideals to become part of larger, "progressive" organizations."--BOOK JACKET.