The Gift of Belief: Philanthropy and the Forging of Pittsburgh

April 21, 2022 - 2:00pm to 3:00pm

ONLINE WITH ZOOM

The Gift of Belief: Philanthropy and the Forging of Pittsburgh

Philanthropy has long been associated with industrial titans and wealthy families. In Pittsburgh, the shadows of Carnegie, Mellon, Frick, and others loom large, while the stories of everyday citizens who uplifted their neighbors remain untold. For the first time, these two portraits of Pittsburgh philanthropy converge in a rich historic tapestry. The Gift of Belief, Philanthropy and the Forging of Pittsburgh, reveals how Pittsburghers from every stratum, creed, and circumstance organized their giving to help shape the region. The industrialists and their foundations stand alongside lesser-known philanthropists equally involved in institution building, civic reform, and community empowerment.

Beginning with sectarian philanthropy in the nineteenth century, moving to scientific philanthropy in the early twentieth century and Pittsburgh Renaissance-era institution-building, and concluding with modern entrepreneurship, twelve authors trace how Pittsburgh aligned with, led, or lagged behind the national philanthropic story. The book explores how ideals of charity and philanthropy entwined and produced distinctive forms of engagement that defined Pittsburgh’s civic life.

Kathleen W. Buechel teaches, speaks, and writes extensively about philanthropy. She brings three decades of philanthropic, civic, and corporate sector leadership to her work. She serves as executive director of The Benter Foundation in Pittsburgh, and previously, was, president of Alcoa Foundation. At the University of Pittsburgh, she was a senior lecturer and led GSPIA’s Philanthropy Forum, inviting field leaders, students and practitioners to examine Pittsburgh as a learning laboratory about philanthropy. She recently edited A Gift of Belief: Philanthropy and the Forging of Pittsburgh, in which 12 authors explore how diverse and consequential philanthropists shaped the region. In her consulting work, she helps donors heighten the impact of their giving and assists in engaging the next generation.

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