Philanthropy is the love of doing good deeds for others. It is derived from the Greek word (philanthropia) for love of humanity.
In the humanist era of today's world, the word is used to describe the act of contributing money, property, or work to needy persons or to other causes, often through contributions to charity organizations or through endowments to institutions of learning.
While the meaning of the term has evolved over time, the essence remains consistent: acts of kindness directed toward others.
The roots of philanthropy run deep in human civilization. Even in ancient times, people engaged in acts of giving, whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or moral support.
Most religious and cultural traditions emphasize charity and compassion. For example, in various faiths, almsgiving and providing support for the less fortunate are considered virtuous acts.
Evidence from ancient Babylonian law codes indicates that there were special punishments for those who abused the weak. In contrast, protecting vulnerable individuals was the hallmark of nobility. Written around 1800 BC, the Egyptian Book of the Dead emphasized benevolent acts as essential for successful passage to the afterlife. Deities expected those seeking immortality to swear that they had never denied food, drink, or clothing to the suffering.
In Greek mythology, Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to humankind, bringing warmth and light to the Earth. This act of enlightenment made him a symbol of philanthropy, as it exemplified self-sacrifice and the protection of humanity.
In 347 BC, Plato instructed his nephew to use the proceeds from the family farm to fund an academy that benefited students and faculty, thus demonstrating philanthropic intent. Pliny the Younger, around 150 BC, contributed funds for a Roman school for young boys.
In more recent times, Andrew Carnegie funded libraries and schools worldwide, and John D. Rockefeller funded education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
Throughout history, individuals, corporations, churches, and communities have established institutions to address societal needs. These have included hospitals, schools, orphanages, and relief organizations. For example, religious orders in medieval Europe established hospitals and programs to care for the poor.
Today, philanthropy most commonly involves monetary donations to charitable causes. Wealthy individuals, foundations, and corporations contribute to various initiatives, such as education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and disaster relief.
However, philanthropy also includes volunteering time and expertise. Volunteers contribute by serving in soup kitchens, tutoring students, mentoring, and participating in community projects.
To the philanthropist, giving provides a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and connection. Knowing that one's actions make a difference can be deeply rewarding. Donors often receive recognition for their contributions, such as naming rights for buildings, scholarships, and other forms of public acknowledgment. In many countries, philanthropic donations come with tax incentives, which may encourage giving and support for charitable causes.
While the nature of philanthropy is generally noble, there are instances in which the line separating philanthropy from self-interest may be blurred.
Some people use philanthropy to enhance their public image or to gain influence, donating to specific causes for strategic personal gain. Wealthy donors can sway political decisions through philanthropic activities, leading to undue influence on policy-making.
On their part, some charitable foundations operate with minimal transparency, making it difficult to track just how the funds are used, raising concerns. Others are little more than scams, profiting the administrators and no one else. Such organizations give a bad name to philanthropy.
In recent years, digital platforms and social media have revolutionized fundraising and awareness campaigns. Crowdsourcing and online giving are common. Of course, there is good and bad in this because many of these campaigns are not intended to do what they claim. Thus, some people prefer to give only to people and causes that they are personally familiar with.
Philanthropy has a nuanced legacy, combining altruism, ambition, and societal impact. Whether through small acts of kindness or large-scale campaigns, philanthropy continues to shape our world, often for the better, although not all non-profit organizations are intended to make the world a better place.
This category and its subcategories focus on philanthropy and volunteerism.
Categories
Volunteering |
Recommended Resources
The ARC is a non-profit organization that provides emergency assistance, blood services, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education throughout the United States and is the designated US affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Its website features partnership, volunteer, donation opportunities, information on giving blood and attending Red Cross training or certification classes, and an online shopping area.
https://www.redcross.org/
The ARAS (Acceptance, Respect, Affection, Support) Foundation conducts personal-empowerment workshops, as well as providing for the physical necessities of people in need, and supports other organizations' projects through volunteer assistance. Its vision, mission, projects, and contacts are set forth, and its founder, Bob Trask, is introduced, including several of his videos, books, and a DVD. Information about the projects that contributions will fund is also discussed.
http://www.arasfoundation.org/
Association of Fundraising Professionals
Founded as the National Society of Fund Raisers in 1960, the organization took its current name in 2001. The AFP is a member-based group that empowers individuals and organizations to practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research, and advocacy. Its history, mission, functions, strategic plan, and career opportunities with the organization are featured, along with administrative contacts in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
https://afpglobal.org/
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
BMGF is a private foundation created by Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates in 2000. Based in Seattle, Washington, it is reported to be the second-largest charitable foundation in the world by assets. Its stated goals are to enhance healthcare and reduce extreme poverty worldwide, although critics argue that the Foundation has exerted undue influence over world policies. The website reviews its projects and work, brand guidelines, and posts career opportunities and contacts.
https://www.gatesfoundation.org/
Candid is an information service that reports on U.S. non-profit companies. It is the product of the 2019 merger of GuideStar and Foundation Center. The organization maintains databases on grantmakers and their grants, issues a variety of print, electronic, and online information sources, conducts research on trends in foundation growth, giving, and practice, and offers education and training programs. Its GuideStar program, a foundation directory, and training programs are discussed.
https://candid.org/
Center for International Disaster Information
Established by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in 1988, CIDI facilitates effective public donations for disaster relief efforts worldwide. It informs the public about the advantages of giving monetary donations to relief organizations and warns of the risks of donating unsolicited material goods, recommending the contribution of cash rather than goods. Opportunities for volunteering are pointed out, and specific responses are reported.
https://cidi.usaid.gov/
Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Change for Children is a charitable organization that supports sustainable community development in Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean. The organization works to create change through its focus on education, food sovereignty, indigenous peoples, and water. Its policies, codes, standards, alliances, endorsements, codes, and charters, along with its board of directors, staff, and community partners, may be viewed.
https://changeforchildren.org/
Charity Navigator assesses and reports on the financial well-being of many American charities. Its goal is to find out which charities are in good financial health and which are habitually in the red. Visitors may read articles about how the government regulates charities, the top five charity myths, and more. Tips and resources for donors are also provided, along with general information about charitable giving. Customized reports and contacts are also available.
https://www.charitynavigator.org/
Until 2012, Charity Watch was known as the American Institute of Philanthropy. It is a non-profit organization in Chicago, Illinois, that provides information about charities' financial efficiency, accountability, governance, and fundraising. The charity watchdog works to uncover and report on wrongdoing in the non-profit sector by conducting in-depth analyses of audited financial statements, tax forms, fundraising contracts, and other reporting material. Donating tips are included.
https://www.charitywatch.org/
Chronicle of Philanthropy, The
The online counterpart of the Chronicle of Philanthropy, the newspaper of the nonprofit world, provides news for philanthropic organizations. The website features news on gifts, grants and fundraising activities of different organizations. It also features facts and figures of the nonprofit world, events, a continuing-education guide, a fund-raising guide, and a technology guide and provides access to the current and back issues of the Chronicle, as well as an online store.
https://www.philanthropy.com/
Corboy & Demetrio Charitable Giving
The charitable giving and community service arm of Corboy & Demetrio, a plaintiff's personal law firm, are highlighted here, along with an overview of the firm. The firm has a long tradition of active community service and charitable giving within the Chicago region, supporting a wide range of charities and community and legal organizations. Its address, a map showing its location, telephone number, email address, and an online contact form are provided.
https://www.corboydemetrio.org/
Operated by Activated Ministries, a non-profit Christian ministry working with dedicated missionaries and human service agencies to meet the spiritual and material needs of people from all walks of life. One of its programs is its "In Recognition of Service" scholarship program, which provides scholarships to the children of long-term volunteers or missionaries. Car donation tax laws and information by state are provided, along with an informational blog and contacts.
https://www.donateacar2charity.com/
Created in 1996, FundsNet Services is a fundraising and grants directory provided at no cost to its visitors. It provides information about grants, fundraising, philanthropy, foundations, and non-profit organizations to those who need funding and research for their philanthropic efforts and missions. The service is intended for registered users and requires authentication with a user code and password for specific information, although general guidelines and information are available.
https://fundsnetservices.com/
Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, the Grantsmanship Center is a private training, and resource organization for non-profit academic and government agencies worldwide. Founded in 1972, its training programs and publications cover grant management, applying for federal grants, social enterprise for non-profits, and writing proposals for research funding. Upcoming workshops and training programs, along with staff introductions, contacts, and other resources, are featured.
https://www.tgci.com/
Also known as Heifer Project International, the global non-profit organization works to eradicate poverty and hunger through sustainable, values-based, holistic community development. The organization distributes animals, along with agricultural and values-based training, to families around the world for the purpose of providing self-sufficiency. Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, the organization's contacts, activities, projects, and involvement opportunities are noted.
https://www.heifer.org/
History of Modern Philanthropy, The
Presented by the National Philanthropic Trust, the website features a historical timeline and history of philanthropy, related by era: 1500-1750, 1750-1890, 1890-1930, 1930-1980, 1980-present. For each era, the challenges and focuses of philanthropic activities are stated, along with the types of philanthropy that were in vogue during the era, and the contributions of some of the better-known philanthropists, such as Andrew Carnegie, and the effects of technology on philanthropy.
https://www.historyofgiving.org/
Online since 1997, iGive is a platform that integrates with various shopping platforms and retailers, allowing supporters to shop through participating merchants via the iGive platform and have a percentage of their purchase amount donated to the non-profit of their choice at no extra cost to them via a browser extension. Non-profits can create customized fundraising campaigns tailored to their unique goals and objectives, from targeted email campaigns to social media promotions.
https://www.igive.com/
International Rescue Committee
Founded as the International Relief Association in 1933 at Albert Einstein's request, the IRC is a non-governmental organization that provides global humanitarian aid, relief, and development. It took its current name in 1942 after joining the International Relief Association. The IRC provides emergency aid and long-term assistance to refugees and those displaced by war, persecution, or natural disaster. Volunteer and career opportunities are published on the website.
https://www.rescue.org/
Certified as an LGBT Business Enterprise through the LGBT Chamber of Commerce Supplier Diversity Initiative, the NGLCC is the business voice of the LGBT community and serves as the nation's exclusive certifying body for LGBT-owned and operated businesses. The full-service agency focuses on non-profit fundraising, communications, and analytics, offering an array of fundraising, advocacy, and membership solutions for a wide variety of clients. Its services, clients, and contacts are posted.
https://www.ipmadvancement.com/
Established as the Association of Lions Clubs in 1917, Lions International is a service organization active in more than two hundred countries and geographic areas. Originally a business organization, it has subsequently evolved into a service organization whose programs include sight conservation, hearing and speech conservation, diabetes awareness, youth outreach, international relations, environmental issues, and other programs. Membership information is posted.
https://www.lionsclubs.org/
The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps fulfill the wishes of children with critical illnesses between the ages of three and eighteen. The organization operates through 59 chapters in the United States and nearly 50 other countries worldwide. Its history, mission, and stories are related on the organization's website, and its leadership is introduced. Local chapters, career information, volunteer opportunities, and contacts are posted.
https://wish.org/
John Markle and his wife, Mary, founded the New York-based private foundation in 1927. Originally known as the John and Mary R. Markle Foundation, the foundation funded traditional social welfare programs and projects focused on medicine and medical research. However, it later shifted its focus to mass communications in a democratic society and, again, to the use of information technology to address health and national security problems. Its focus areas are highlighted.
https://www.markle.org/
Created as a charitable arm for Melaleuca: The Wellness Company, the Foundation was created in 2001 in response to the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. It raised and donated money to aid several families and individuals who were affected. Since then, it has been helping people who are unable to help themselves, including disaster relief in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, the Philippines, Nepal, and other countries, some of which are highlighted here.
https://www.melaleuca.org/
NPT is an independent public charity that provides expertise to donors, foundations, and financial institutions. Specializing in donor-advised funds, it is one of the largest grantmaking institutions in the United States. The site publishes its mission, leadership, contacts, and career opportunities, along with information and resources for advisors, non-profits, and institutions. Reports on grants in action, grant impact, a grants map, and donor stories are included on the site.
https://www.nptrust.org/
The American-certified B Corporation software company offers fundraising software and coaching for charities and non-profit organizations. Founded in 2001 by America Online, Cisco Systems, and Yahoo!, the company charges between 3% and 5% transaction processing fees for donations, in addition to any subscription fees that the charity might incur. A map shows its distributions by state, and a chart shows its distributions by category. Its system and services are highlighted.
https://www.networkforgooddaf.org/
Based in Morris Plains, New Jersey, NPT is a newspaper covering the business management of non-profit organizations in the United States. Published since 1987, the newspaper covers fundraising, accounting, managerial issues, and human resources management. It also offers a job search engine, salary surveys, and an online television show called "The NonProfit Times TV." Other topics include training, software reviews, and links to its marketplace and online shopping area.
https://thenonprofittimes.com/
Plenty is an environmental, humanitarian aid, and human rights organization created by "The Farm," an intentional community in Lewis County, Tennessee. The non-profit supports economic self-sufficiency, cultural integrity, and environmental responsibility in partnership with families, community groups, and other organizations in Central America, the United States, the Caribbean, and Africa. Its areas of focus, contacts, and informational bulletins are posted.
http://www.plenty.org/
Founded by John D. Rockefeller, John D. Rockefeller Jr., and Frederick Taylor Gates, the Rockefeller Foundation is a private foundation and philanthropic medical research and arts funding organization based in New York City. The second-oldest major philanthropic institution in the United States, after the Carnegie Corporation, the Rockefeller Foundation has had an international reach since the 1930s and is a major influence on global non-governmental organizations.
https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/
Rotary International is an organization of service clubs open to all person regardless of race. The website provides information on the organization's service and fellowship where polio and disaster relief are some. The website also provides the latest Rotary news and resources that includes newsletters, publications, a press center and a lot more. The website also provides information on the organization's programs for students and youth and on how you can help and support the organization.
https://www.rotary.org/
Designed to provide financial assistance to qualifying participants, the Samaritan Fund Program covers most, if not all, of their out-of-pocket medical expenses. Additionally, the program assists employers by identifying individual insurance plans that will align with their employees' needs. Its services to individuals facing a medical prognosis and its services to employers are defined, and those who are willing to help are solicited. Testimonials are posted on the site.
https://samaritanfundprogram.com/
Originally known as the Children's Television Workshop, SW is a non-profit organization responsible for producing several educational children's programs, including "Sesame Street." Sesame Workshop is a global non-profit that produces educational content for children, develops curricula and materials for schools and families, resources designed to help children understand and express their feelings, and health and hygiene education. Registration is required.
https://sesameworkshop.org/
The US-based non-profit organization is also known as Impact Online. It provides a national digital infrastructure to serve volunteers and non-profit organizations in the United States. The organization also partners with businesses to provide tools to help companies, brands, campuses, and government agencies manage volunteer programs and support corporate social responsibility initiatives. Free to use by individuals, non-profit organizations may elect to use a free basic account or upgrade.
https://www.volunteermatch.org/
World Vision International is an ecumenical Christian humanitarian aid, development, and advocacy organization founded in 1950, and headquartered in Monrovia, California, and London, United Kingdom. Active in more than a hundred countries, the organization operates a federation of interdependent national offices governed by a commitment to common standards and values on fundamental issues, offering emergency relief, education, healthcare, economic development, food, and other services.
https://www.worldvision.org/
