Philanthropy in America is a giant undertaking—every year, more than $360 billion is handed by individuals, foundations, and businesses to a riot of good causes. Rates of giving are two to 20 times higher in the U.S. than in comparable nations. Privately funded efforts to solve social problems, enrich culture, and strengthen society are among the most significant American undertakings, and have been for hundreds of years.

Until recently, however, there existed no definitive information source to place U.S. philanthropy in context. This authoritative, highly readable new reference work fixes that. In a single printed volume, and easily accessed Web files, it chronicles the greatest achievements of American philanthropy, profiles the most influential donors, and summarizes the best ideas that have been thought, spoken, and written about charitable giving in our country.

The Almanac conveniently encapsulates the history, purposes, effects, and modern direction of private giving. It lends missing perspective, and serves as a handy encyclopedic reference. People serious about donating money to good causes will consult it again and again as they refine their giving. And general readers attracted to fascinating history, quirky Americana, and lively biographies will enjoy the brisk narrative of this meaty new book.

The book is also for sale on Amazon for $25, but its content is available for free at philanthropyroundtable.org/almanac. Just click on the different content topics. For statistics visit this page http://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/almanac/statistics/ and for information on who in the USA give most to charity look at http://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/almanac/who_gives_most_to_charity/.