Why don’t the ultra rich fund construction for the public anymore? /u/lindsaykelilah12 No such thing as stupid questions

Things like libraries, universities, medical centers, housing etc. I’ve done research and aside from Gates and a few others there doesn’t seem to be much philanthropy particularly for public use.

It used to be “cool” for the uber rich to fund these types of projects (like Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, Biltmore) now it seems like it’s more just for their own personal gain.

I understand they still donate funding to organizations but I have yet to hear of any projects that are similar to for example, Rockefeller funding multiple public projects.

With that, it seems like it would be a positive effect for their reputation so I’m just confused as to why there’s no interest in it. Do any of the wealthy still do this?

Things like libraries, universities, medical centers, housing etc. I’ve done research and aside from Gates and a few others there doesn’t seem to be much philanthropy particularly for public use.

It used to be “cool” for the uber rich to fund these types of projects (like Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, Biltmore) now it seems like it’s more just for their own personal gain.

I understand they still donate funding to organizations but I have yet to hear of any projects that are similar to for example, Rockefeller funding multiple public projects.

With that, it seems like it would be a positive effect for their reputation so I’m just confused as to why there’s no interest in it. Do any of the wealthy still do this?