We learn about philanthropy’s accomplishments to better understand what great giving looks like.
In our early years, we set out to understand what great philanthropy looks like in order to shape our own strategy. We spoke to experts and other funders, and also looked for detailed case studies on how major funders helped bring about lasting change.
We found surprisingly little research on what made their work succeed. To fill that gap, we commissioned historians to analyze major philanthropic success stories, from promoting nuclear nonproliferation and threat reduction to the campaign for marriage equality in the U.S.
The history of philanthropy reminds us that progress rarely happens quickly — and that some of the most important philanthropic achievements began as uncertain bets. Philanthropy can play a unique role in backing long-term efforts that markets and governments may overlook.
This research continues to inform our approach by deepening our understanding of how funders took calculated risks, built new fields, and stayed the course over many years.
We continue to commission case studies, and we will update this page periodically. Explore some of our past studies below.
Explore case studies
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History of Philanthropy Literature Review: Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs
Beginning in 1957, the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs brought scientists from across the Cold War divide to discuss nuclear disarmament. In his literature review, Paul Rubinson finds that philanthropic funders were the main backers of these meetings, which likely contributed significantly to greater international cooperation and, ultimately, disarmament.
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History of Philanthropy Case Study: The Campaign for Marriage Equality
Philanthropic funders provided long-term support for the legal, advocacy, and public-education efforts that helped secure marriage equality nationwide. Soskis concludes that this support was significant, though it interacted with broader cultural and political shifts that made the change possible.
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History of Philanthropy Case Study: Pew and Drug Safety Legislation
While Pew Charitable Trusts had help from industry partners, FDA officials, and key politicians in bringing about 2012 legislation to improve drug supply-chain safety, Tamara Mann Tweel finds that they played a central role. Pew brought key stakeholders together, gave them the necessary information to pursue the topic, and demonstrated the viability of actual policy.