In the annual William E. Simon Lecture on philanthropy and social entrepreneurship, Washington Post columnist Michael Gerson reflected on the difference between conservative and liberal philanthropy, the relationship between government and civil society, and the importance of a new generation of measures for assessing the effectiveness of nonprofit, nongovernmental forms of assistance. Gerson served as President George W. Bush’s chief speechwriter from 2001 until June 2006, and as a senior adviser from 2000 through June 2006. He is the author of the 2007 book, Heroic Conservatism: Why Republicans Need to Embrace America’s Ideals (And Why They Deserve to Fail If They Don’t), and, with Peter Wehner, the 2010 book, City of Man: Religion and Politics in a New Era.

212-599-7000

communications@manhattan-institute.org