The Circle of the Wealthy

Wealthy university

While doing research for my Junior Theme, I came across a Slate article called 'The 2010 Slate 60'.  The Slate 60 is a list of the 60 most generous philanthropists in the United States. When I think philanthropy, I think donation or service that benefits those who are having trouble in the world. I don't think money that goes into universities to, let's say, build a brand new dorm building.

If you read the article, you'll see that "big givers overwhelmingly chose causes close to their homes or their hearts, often local organizations or their alma maters." The article goes on to say that in 2010, "33 different universities or other educational establishments" were donated to. Now, maybe it's just me, but I think that money could be put to better use rather than keeping it all in the circle of the wealthy. For example, instead of giving money to an Ivy League school so that the library can be named after you, try donating to an inner city school that doesn't even have a library. According to dosomething.org, "three-quarters of the nation's schools (almost 60,000) report needing repairs, renovations, or modernization in order to reach good condition."

High school in need of repair

I recognize the phrase, "or other educational establishments," but honestly, that probably means the high-end private or public school their kids are attending. Maybe I'm being too harsh, but I really don't see the purpose of giving money to a university so that their $10 million library can become a $15 million library. It just seems like there are so many other institutions that could benefit a lot more from that extra $5 million.