It can be argued we're living in an era that celebrates and elevates wealthy philanthropists. Dozens of the world's billionaires, including Bill and Melinda Gates, Warren Buffet, and Mark Zuckerberg, have signed The Giving Pledge, promising to give away at least half of their wealth to solve social problems. Their causes vary - everything from education reform to alleviating poverty to improving global health - but all come with the promise to change the world.
Largely, the reaction to these individuals and their philanthropic pursuits has been positive. However, some critics are beginning to surface, re-naming these efforts "big philanthropy" and classifying them as an exercise of power - and, in some cases, going so far as to call them a threat to democracy.
Who should be responsible for initiating large-scale social change? What are the risks and benefits of allowing billionaires the freedom to change the world as see fit? And, can this kind of philanthropy actually be a threat to democracy?
Anand Giridharadas
Author, Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World
Teleange’ Thomas
Director, Foundation Center Midwest
Dan Moulthrop
CEO, The City Club of Cleveland
