Launched in 2015, the Smithsonian’s Philanthropy Initiative explores the breadth and diversity of Americans’ visions and experiences in philanthropy. The Initiative collects, researches, documents, and exhibits materials relating to the history of American giving and convenes important conversations with historic perspectives on contemporary issues in philanthropy. A changing exhibition, programs, and digital outreach explore how giving in all forms and at all levels continues to shape American history in all its complexity. The museum’s 10.8 million digital and physical visitors come to understand how their gifts of time, expertise, and resources connect them to this long participatory tradition. Annual themes examine philanthropy’s historic and contemporary role in affecting a specific area of need such as Education (2020), Health and Medicine (2019), Culture and the Arts (2018), and Sustainability and the Environment (2016).

Find Philanthropy Initiative content, including past symposiums, at:

@amhistorymuseum