This study was based on 140 interviews with wealthy philanthropic
Americans. Evidence indicates that most of the giving of these multi
millionaires goes to institutions and programs that serve the interests
of the upper class, not the needy. Private nonprofit universities, prep
schools, and arts and cultural groups receive more support from elite
philanthropists than social service or health causes. These findings
are of concern due to the extreme concentration of private wealth in
the United States and Reagan administration policies emphasizing
private over government provision of basic human services.
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