America's founding fathers established an idealistic framework for a bold experiment in democratic governance. The new nation would be built on the belief that "all men are created equal, and are endowed...with a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." The challenge of turning these ideals into reality for all citizens was taken up by a set of exceptional American women.

Distinguished scholar and civic leader Claire Gaudiani calls these women "social entrepreneurs," arguing that they brought the same drive and strategic intent to their pursuit of "the greater good" that their male counterparts applied to building the nation's capital markets throughout the nineteenth century. Gaudiani tells the stories of these patriotic women, and their creation of America's unique not-for-profit, or "social profit" sector. She concludes that the idealism and optimism inherent in this work provided an important asset to the increasing prosperity of the nation from its founding to the Second World War. Social entrepreneurs have defined a system of governance "by the people," and they remain our best hope for continued moral leadership in the world.

The United States is the most prosperous country in the world. We are not perfect by a wide margin, but we have done an extraordinary job of providing upward mobility for millions of citizens for centuries. We also have the most generous citizens in the world by a wide margin. Eighty nine percent of Americans gave money to 'charity' last year. Few people recognize how important the generosity of individual citizens has been to our social and economic success. We all enjoy the benefits of these gifts every day. Ever take an anti-biotic? Have a retirement account? Know anyone who want to school on a scholarship? Each of these wonderful things, and many, many more, have been brought to you by citizen generosity. Claire Gaudiani captures this unique spirit of helping one another in her carefully researched stories. She will entertain and inspire you, and as only Claire can, challenge you to join her in contributing to the greater good.

"Masterly on the way philanthropy works."
-"The New York Observer"
For more than a century, the United States has stood as a beacon of prosperity and democracy, proof that big business and big dreams could flourish side by side. Yet few Americans realize the crucial role that generosity plays in keeping that fragile balance.
A leading voice for community development, scholar and former Connecticut College president Claire Gaudiani examines the crucial role of philanthropy in American prosperity. She traces the entrepreuneurial spirit of altruism, finding that generous gifts have powerfully invested in the most critical ingredients of the American economy: people, property, and ingenuity. Rather than pitting the capitalists against the populists, Gaudiani draws a blueprint for a just future, full of opportunities, based on giving.
"The Greater Good "is a passionate, pragmatic, and optimistic manifesto for revitalizing the promise of the American economy.