The acknowledgment of Bono and Bill and Melinda Gates by...

The acknowledgment of Bono and Bill and Melinda Gates by Time Magazine reflects the growing importance of philanthropy in society. The field of philanthropy is enduring a spectacular change fueled mostly by growth in size -- we have witnessed a 19% growth in the number of foundations in America during the past ten years -- and character. New and novel initiatives rise daily creating, in many respects, a time of optimism and creativity. Philanthropy is unique in that its resources go to creating long-term solutions and provides the opportunity and mandate to explore new creative solutions in ways not appropriate for public dollars. I think we have only just begun to see just how far this renewed interest in philanthropy is going to take us.