David C. Hammack

About the Author

David C. Hammack is a distinguished historian and scholar specializing in the nonprofit sector, philanthropy, and civil society in America. With a career spanning decades at Case Western Reserve University, where he served as the Hilda L. Solis Professor of History and Senior Research Associate at the Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations, Hammack has illuminated the evolution of voluntary associations and their profound impact on U.S. democracy and social welfare. His meticulous research draws on archival sources to trace the institutional foundations of nonprofits from the colonial era to the present, offering critical insights into how these organizations shape public policy and community life. A prolific editor and author, Hammack's work bridges academic rigor with practical relevance, influencing scholars, policymakers, and nonprofit leaders alike.