A failure of philanthropy: American charity shortchanges the poor, and public policy is partly to blame

This article critiques the distribution of charitable giving in the United States, arguing that American philanthropy disproportionately benefits elite institutions like universities and museums, rather than effectively addressing poverty. The author contends that existing tax policies and public incentives distort philanthropic priorities, allowing donors to accrue substantial tax benefits without necessarily promoting equity. The paper advocates for a critical reassessment of philanthropic structures and proposes policy reforms to redirect charitable giving towards addressing broader societal needs, particularly those of economically disadvantaged communities.