There is much more scientific research about philanthropy than Caroline Fiennes implies (Nature 546, 187; 2017; see also M. L. Stevens Nature 547, 162; 2017).

For example, the Science of Philanthropy Initiative — a collaboration between the University of Chicago in Illinois and the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy in Indiana — brings together economists, social psychologists and other practitioners in field experiments and quantitative investigations to gauge what works in philanthropy (see go.nature.com/2x8ymh0).

Hundreds of researchers evaluating different types of philanthropic support are sharing findings through networks such as the Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action, the International Society for Third-Sector Research, and international journals (see also Found. Review http://doi.org/cb25; 2017).

Thanks to the expanding international interest among academics, the science and art of philanthropy are very much alive.