"Today's Wealth Holder and Tomorrow's Giving:
The New Dynamics of Wealth and Philanthropy."
Paul G. Schervish. Journal of Gift Planning. Vol. 9, no. 3. 3rd Quarter
2005. Pp. 15-37.
Increasing numbers of individuals are approaching, achieving, or even exceeding
their financial goals at younger and younger ages. A level of affluence that
had been rare has come to characterize large groups and even whole cultures.
In the context of an ongoing intergenerational transfer of wealth, the author
examines demographic and spiritual trends that are motivating wealth holders
to allocate an ever-greater portion of their financial resources to charity.
"Taking Giving Seriously."
Paul G. Schervish with essays by four philanthropists (Obie Benz, Peggy Dulany,
Thomas B. Murphy, and Stanley Salett). Indianapolis: Indiana University Center
on Philanthropy, 1993.
In analytical essays and personal narratives about having
and sharing wealth, the contributors reveal clearly the two sides of philanthropy--its
obligations and opportunities. Useful as a guide for active or potential philanthropists,
as well as for scholars and fundraisers, this publication gives valuable insight
into the motivation of the wealthy to give and the moral and philosophical elements
of giving.
"Temporal Patterns in Social Responsibility."
David M. Almeida, Daniel A. McDonald, John J. Havens, and Paul G. Schervish.
In Rossi, Alice S. (ed.), Caring and Doing For Others: Social Responsibility
in the Domains of Family, Work, and Community. Chicago: The University of
Chicago Press, 2001. Pp. 135-156.
The exploration of temporal cycles of socially
responsible activity is a relatively neglected area of research. In this chapter
we have begun to explore and identify short cycle and long cycle rhythms in
this behavior and conclude that time itself and the societal rhythms entailed
in the passage of time generally do not affect all persons and individuals in
the same way.
"Towards a General Theory of the Philanthropic Activities of the Wealthy."
Paul G. Schervish, Andrew Herman, and Lynn Rhenisch. Annual Spring Research Forum of the Independent Sector, New York, NY, Mar. 13-14, 1986.
The most important theoretical point to be made about the distinctive contribution of wealth to an understanding of philanthropy is that wealth affords individuals the means for moving from being
simply consumers of the social agenda to being producers of it. In economic terms, philanthropy helps translate those needs and preferences into effective demand by providing the means by which
individuals or organizations can engage in concerted efforts to achieve their goals.
