American Philanthropic

At American Philanthropic, we believe that to be most effective, philanthropy is best understood as an integral part of American civil society — and, therefore, American democracy.

As Alexis de Tocqueville famously recognized, Americans’ energetic commitment to the voluntary associations that constitute civil society is something unique in the world. The American ideal of “rugged individualism” may have largely shaped our national personality, but to understand fully the character of American individualism it is necessary to understand that this individualism has been accompanied by a vibrant communitarianism.

In other words, Americans have wished to be free, but in their freedom they have also, at their best, wished to become a nation of flourishing communities full of strong, healthy families and neighborhoods. To realize this crucial aspect of the American dream, they have formed numerous — and fantastically variegated — associations, including charities, fraternal clubs, libraries, hospitals, churches, trade unions, civic and community groups, and political advocacy organizations. Furthermore, on scales small and large, community leaders have emerged to form foundations and trusts that support such groups financially.

These associations and foundations are the organs of civil society, and it is our participation in civil society which serves to fully humanize us. “To love the little platoon we belong to in society is the first principle . . . of public affections,” observed Edmund Burke. “It is the first link in the series by which we proceed towards a love to our country and to mankind.” The sociologist Robert Nisbet taught that “the family, religious association, and local community . . . are essentially prior to the individual and are the indispensable supports of belief and conduct.”