The Smithsonian’s Philanthropy Initiative explores the breadth and diversity of Americans’ visions and experiences in philanthropy. Through research, collecting, the long-term Giving in America exhibition, the Power of Giving, and other programs, the Initiative examines how gifts of time, expertise, and resources continue to shape American history in all its complexity. 

The Philanthropy Initiative’s keystone event is the Power of Giving symposium examining philanthropy’s historic and contemporary role in affecting a specific issue or cause. Past programs examined include Educational Equity (2020), Health and Medicine (2019), Culture and the Arts (2018), and Sustainability and the Environment (2016). The series began with an examination of philanthropy more broadly in 2015. 

Find Philanthropy Initiative content, including past symposiums, at:

#POG23 @amhistorymuseum