Faculty-produced documentary on philanthropy now available

A feature-length documentary on the concept of giving that was produced by a Grand Valley faculty member is now available on Blu-Ray and DVD.

The film, "What is Philanthropy" was produced by associate professor Salvatore Alaimo in the School of Public and Nonprofit Administration and was recently released by Indiana University Press.

The documentary discusses giving within the American context through a critical lens and a variety of perspectives including from actor Mike Farrell from M.A.S.H., NFL quarterback Alex Smith, Evelyn Lauder from the Estee' Lauder Companies, civil rights leader William G. Anderson, Nell Newman, co-founder of Newman's Own Organics, U.S. Senator Charles Grassley, as well as leading scholars and average citizens.

The educational film is now in more than 30 university libraries – one in Canada, one in Scotland, one in Australia and 29 around the United States. Several community foundations have also purchased the film.

"What is Philanthropy" has been selected to four film festivals, and has been shown around the country at universities, community centers and public libraries as well as broadcast on PBS.