Philanthropy

Philanthropy is the voluntary act of donating money or goods or providing some other support to a charitable cause, usually over an extended period of time. In a more fundamental sense, philanthropy may encompass any activity which is intended to enhance the common good or improve human well being. Someone who is well known for practicing philanthropy may sometimes be called a philanthropist. Although such individuals are often very wealthy, people may nevertheless perform philanthropic acts without possessing great wealth.

Philanthropy is a major source of income for artistic, musical, religious, and humanitarian causes, as well as educational institutions ranging from schools to universities (see patronage).

Philosophical views on philanthropy

Philanthropy is not always viewed as a universal good. Notable thinkers such as Friedrich Nietzsche opposed philanthropy on philosophical grounds, connecting it with the idea of the weak leeching off the strong. Ayn Rand is another major thinker with similar views.

Political views on philanthropy

Philanthropy is a private sector means of effecting social change without recourse to government mechanisms such as those represented by aid programs.

Governments are often supportive of philanthropic efforts. In many countries, those who donate money to a charity are given a tax break. At one extreme of this kind of thought, there is a school of American Republican thinking that wishes to eliminate all government granting programs, and which avers that philanthropy will provide for all deserving charitable needs.

Social activism and philanthropy

Social activists frequently criticize philanthrophic contributions by corporations whom activists consider "suspect". An example is the Harvard, Exxon, and South Africa case. Harvard University divested itself of Exxon stock after pressure and accusations that Exxon's doing business in South Africa contributed to apartheid. But when asked if they still wanted to receive philanthropic contributions from Exxon, Harvard said "yes". Some considered this morally inconsistent. If Harvard remained a stockholder, it could have voted to stop operations in the country. Instead it walked away. Exxon did in fact stop doing business in South Africa, as did other companies like Xerox, thereby costing employees their jobs and the country several contributors to a healthy economy.

Uses of the word

By the conventional definition of philanthropy, only a wealthy person can be a philanthropist. Many non-wealthy individuals have dedicated – thus, donated – their lives to charitable causes but are not described as philanthropists. Whether the donation of time or money, the end result should be the betterment of human beings and of mankind. This is the true philosophy of the Philanthropist.

Robert L. Payton expanded the conventional defintion of philanthropy in his 1988 book "Philanthropy: Voluntary Action For the Public Good." The text of this book and many of his writings are available at PaytonPapers.

In the 2004 book "Just Money - A Critique of Contemporary American Philanthropy" edited by H. Peter Karoff and published by TPI Editions, strategic philanthropy and the experience of major foundations is made relevant to every donor and would-be donor. See TPI

Famous philanthropists

• Benjamin Franklin
• Jane Addams
• Andrew Carnegie
• John D. Rockefeller
• George Peabody
• Oprah Winfrey
• Bill & Melinda Gates
• Mickey Beyer
• Ted Turner

See also

• Development charities
• Foundation (charity)
• Philanthropists

External links

• A Bourgeois Duty: Philanthropy, 1896-1919 — Illustrated Historical Essay
• How to do Global Philanthropy
• Famous Philanthropists
• Famous and Celebrity Philanthropists
• Happiness Philosophy
• http://www.mediaman.com.au/articles/philanthropy_charity.html Philanthropy and Charity - Media Man Australia profiles]