Philanthrocapitalism: How the Rich Can Save the World

About this book

An examination of how todays leading philanthropists are revolutionizing the field using new methods to have a vastly greater impact on the world. For philanthropists of the past charity was often a matter of simply giving money away. For the philanthrocapitalists the new generation of billionaires who are reshaping the way they give its like business. Largely trained in the corporate world these "social investors" are using big-business-style strategies and expecting results and accountability to match. Bill Gates the worlds richest man is leading the way: he has promised his entire fortune to finding a cure for the diseases that kill millions of children in the poorest countries in the world. In Philanthrocapitalism Matthew Bishop and Michael Green examine this new movement and its implications. Proceeding from interviews with some of the most powerful people on the planetincluding Gates Bill Clinton George Soros Angelina Jolie and Bono among othersthey show how a web of wealthy motivated donors has set out to change the world. Their results will have huge implications: In a climate resistant to government spending on social causes their focused donations may be the greatest force for societal change in our world and a source of political controversy. Combining on-the-ground anecdotes expert analysis and up-close profiles of the wealthy and powerful this is a fascinating look at a small group of people who will change an enormous number of lives.