Who established the Charity Organization Society?

The Charity Organization Society was established by Josephine Shaw Lowell in the late 19th century. This organization played a pivotal role in the development of the volunteer sector and the movement towards organized charity in America. Lowell's vision was to address poverty and social issues through organization and strategic philanthropic efforts, emphasizing the importance of systematic approaches to aiding those in need rather than ad-hoc charity.

Under her leadership, the Charity Organization Society implemented a method of assessing individuals' needs and providing support that was tailored to their specific circumstances. This approach marked a significant shift in the way charitable assistance was provided, laying the groundwork for modern social work by advocating for the professionalization of charity services and better management of resources. Thus, her contributions established a lasting impact on social welfare practices.