Economists ask whether the provision of tax incentives changes the amount of charitable giving, what the optimal level of tax incentives would be, and how to overcome the problem of free riders when private giving generates public goods. But political theorists seek to ask questions about the justice of social arrangements and institutions, including the institutions that guide and channel philanthropy. This inquiry seeks to articulate and defend principles that ought to guide public policy concerning philanthropy. What kind of incentives, disincentives, mandates, and prohibitions ought a liberal democratic state put in place to regulate private activity in the public interest?

I seek to hire one research assistant who will assist in the following tasks.

1. Assistant will collect data on the phenomenon of private giving to public schools across the country. I have already collected extensive data on this phenomenon in California. I will seek to augment my data set with data from other states. The student will need skills in using statistical software.

2. This assistant will perform research on philanthropies and nonprofits more generally. What is the history of the tax laws that set up philanthropies? What is known about their performance? What does the philanthropic sector in the US look like in comparison to other countries? The student will be reading law review articles, historical research, and professional journals of the philanthropic sector.

Funds are available to pay $12.50 per hour for 8 hours per week during the winter and spring quarters.

If you are interested in applying, please send via email or regular mail a cover letter that describes your interest in the position and any relevant coursework that bears on the project. Please also include a copy of your resume and transcript.

I will begin reviewing applications during the first week of January 2006. reich@stanford.edu