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Private donations have “huge effect” on public policy, expert says

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"Strings are attached to donations," Megan Tompkins-Stange told us. "Would you give your money without strings in a failing city? It's hard to say."

When you hear about the Gates Foundation, the Mott Foundation, or any of the myriad other philanthropic organizations, how do you describe what they do?

Do they give money? Solve problems? Improve conditions?

Is there a downside to throwing money at problems or wielding influence with cash?

Megan Tompkins-Stangehas written a book that examines some of that in regards to education. The book is Policy Patrons: Philanthropy, Education Reform, and the Politics of Influence.

Tompkins-Stange joined us today to talk about the influence of private donations on public policy.

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