Analysis On The Cultural Motivators Of American Philanthropic Foundations

American Philanthropy is most developed in the whole world. American philanthropy, one would think of American philanthropic foundations. Philanthropic foundations also exist in other parts of the world but they are all dwarfed by the number, scale and influence of philanthropic foundations in America. Apart from the powerful economy of the US, there are cultural motivators to the flourishing of philanthropic foundations in the United States.This thesis firstly gives an overview of philanthropic foundations in America,and then makes a concrete description of the developing stages of American philanthropic foundations through a historical perspective. After that, the author pays great attention to analyziing the cultural motivators to American philanthropic foundations.Firstly, the Unite States is a country of Christianity. The philanthropic thoughts in the Christian doctrine have been an ideological driving force for the establishment and development of American philanthropic foundations.Secondly, there is American voluntary spirit behind the development of American philanthropic foundations.Thirdly, the idea of "limited government" has provided much space for the emergence and growth of philanthropic foundations in the United States.Finally, the preferential tax policy of the government has ensured a healthy and sustainable development of philanthropic foundations in America. The thesis arrives at a conclusion that cultural motivators has been working as an important driving force for the development of philanthropic foundations in America. Analyzing of these cultural motivators can serve as a window through which people can have a deep insight of American culture and at the same time learn from their successful experience.