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Unequal Partners pp 81–97Cite as

Palgrave Macmillan

The Legitimacy of American Foundations

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Part of the book series: Philanthropy and Education ((PHILAED))

Abstract

This chapter argues that the success of the philanthropic foundations depends on their legitimacy. Thus, foundations are dependent on their grantees and other legitimacy-granting organizations. One way to leverage reputation and legitimacy is through strategic, high-impact partnerships such as the PHEA. However, many scholars question the legitimacy of international philanthropy, arguing that the decision-making process is undemocratic and beholden to private rather than public interests. This chapter acknowledges but ultimately refutes these claims, arguing that because grantmaking institutions depend on their grantees for legitimation, they remain to a certain degree accountable to them and must take this into account when developing their grantmaking strategy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. New York, NY, USA

    Fabrice Jaumont

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  1. Fabrice Jaumont
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Jaumont, F. (2016). The Legitimacy of American Foundations. In: Unequal Partners. Philanthropy and Education. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59348-1_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59348-1_7

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, New York

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-137-59346-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-59348-1

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

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