Philanthropy is not just seen as an alternative solution to problems left by the government. It plays an under-recognized role, working in the background of trends that resulted to the shutdown in the first place.
There’s the disintegration of legitimacy, transparency and trust in the public sector, just as big philanthropy became a growing political presence. According to Joanne Barkan’s recent reporting for Dissent, mega philanthropy is ever stronger today, not only because of their greater number, but also because “of the context in which they operate: dwindling government resources for public goods and services, the drive to privatize what remains of the public sector…”
via Can Billionaire Philanthropists Replace the Federal Government? | The Nation.