The acknowledgment of Bono and Bill and Melinda Gates by Time Magazine reflects the growing importance of philanthropy in society. The field of philanthropy is enduring a spectacular change fueled mostly by growth in size -- we have witnessed a 19% growth in the number of foundations in America during the past ten years -- and character. New and novel initiatives rise daily creating, in many respects, a time of optimism and creativity. Philanthropy is unique in that its resources go to creating long-term solutions and provides the opportunity and mandate to explore new creative solutions in ways not appropriate for public dollars. I think we have only just begun to see just how far this renewed interest in philanthropy is going to take us.

Steve Gunderson