Philanthropy and environmental law

In this article, we begin to address the relative lack of scholarship on philanthropic engagement with environmental law. It is clear that big philanthropy exercises significant power in and over our discipline, in a variety of ways that extend beyond the granting (and, importantly, withholding) of funds for projects and activities. Power merits scrutiny. Building on a multi-disciplinary literature, we identify the plausible ways in which philanthropic organizations frame problems and solutions, and build networks. This is not an ‘exposé’ of wealthy philanthropists, nor do we think that an exposé is necessary. Foundations are diverse organizations doing a range of interesting and important work. We do, however, want to understand better this community that is so crucial for the development of environmental law.