Janina Mangold uncovers the contributions of philanthropic foundations in higher education in Germany and the USA. Considering the three regime classifications of Varieties of Capitalism, Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism, and Social Origins Theory, she examines the role and positioning of German and American higher education foundations vis-à-vis state and market actors in contemporary society. On the basis of both qualitative and quantitative data, she then develops urgent policy recommendations for foundations, higher education, and governments.