Through their donations and work for voluntary organizations, the charitable rich exert enormous influence in society. As philanthropists, they acquire status within and outside of their class. Although private wealth is the basis of the hegemony of this group, philanthropy is essential to the maintenance and perpetuation of the upper class in the United States. In this sense, nonprofit activities are the nexus of a modern power elite.
Teresa Odendahl, Charity Begins At Home: Generosity And Self-interest Among The Philanthropic Elite
charity, clinton, hegemony, non-profit, philanthropy, power-elite, upper-class