Part of Our National DNA: America’s Philanthropic Tradition

The 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding has prompted many reflections on what has made “The Great Experiment” of American democracy so singularly successful. Jere Wells argues that America’s tradition of philanthropy has played a powerful role in strengthening our nation’s social capital and driving the spirit of innovation that has made the U.S. a global leader. More than a tale of a few wealthy elites, the story of American philanthropy is complex, dynamic, and urgent, especially today as government funding undergoes historic changes.

Jere Wells, a retired educator now living in Newport, had a 47-year career teaching and providing academic leadership to institutions from K-12 schools to graduate school. After serving as the director of the Glenn Institute for Philanthropy and Service Learning, he served as director of the Educational Leadership and Ministry program at Yale Divinity School.