Philanthropy is essential to making America what it is. Individuals, foundations, and businesses donate more than $360 billion annually, underwriting efforts to solve social problems, enrich culture, and strengthen society. Rates of giving are as much as 20 times higher than in comparable nations.

Karl Zinsmeister, a former White House chief domestic policy adviser who now is vice president of the Washington, D.C.-based Philanthropy Roundtable, discusses the impact of that altruism, drawing from his authoritative new book The Almanac of American Philanthropy. It details the greatest achievements arising from U.S. philanthropy, the most influential donors, and the best, most valuable ideas.