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Philanthropy today
The practice of philanthropy, defined as the concern for human welfare and causes usually manifested in the form or donations of money or other tangible assets, has been around for as long as humankind has been in existence. Some may wonder, however, if it is more or less common now than in past years. |
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In this fast-paced “get ahead at all costs” society, has the philanthropy idea become obsolete for a large part of the world’s population? To many people’s relief, the philanthropy idea not only seems to be alive and well in today’s society, but the number of businesses and individuals donating money and time for worthy causes seems to be increasing at a very acceptable level. Though the rising trend seems to lean more toward corporate philanthropy than individual philanthropist philanthropy, overall it is reassuring. Foundations set up for such things as aiding the homeless, providing scholarships for low-income students, and providing much-needed medical care for those in need are thriving in today’s society, and individual donations and volunteering is at a healthy level. Large and small corporations are donating management and employee time toward non-profit organizations focused on helping people in need.
Philanthropy Roundtable is a well established association consisting of corporate officers, individual donors, and foundation personnel. This association publishes a magazine that contains ongoing articles about how corporate philanthropy and individual philanthropist philanthropy is helping to improve conditions in many areas of society. Associations like Philanthropy Roundtable help organize philanthropy efforts, and help keep the money that is meant for worthy causes going to the right people and places. People or businesses who are interested in donating time and/or money for worthy causes can contact Philanthropy Roundtable or other such associations or organizations and get helpful information about what to do.
What is the average philanthropist like?
It often takes some wisdom and maturity to come to the realization that one can enhance his or her own life through the practice of philanthropy. For this reason, the philanthropy idea often starts catching on when people are in their 30’s or older. One reason that you see more philanthropist philanthropy in older people, of course, is that many are established in their careers and simply have more money to give to charitable causes. This is by no means a solid rule, however; a large number or high school and college students – or even younger children – are donating their time and sometimes even their money to help others in need.
An individual philanthropist is often someone who has been helped by philanthropy in the past, and wants to give back to society. These could be people such as recipients of scholarships for low-income students, those who had received medical care for serious medical conditions when they could not afford treatment by themselves, or perhaps successful athletes who could not have gotten the training and support that they needed without the help of philanthropy. A person’s upbringing can also have a lot to do with whether he or she is more attune to the philanthropy idea than some others. If a child grows up in a family where philanthropy is practiced regularly, he or she is more likely to follow suit.
Corporate Philanthropy – How does it affect business?
Many corporations engage in philanthropic pursuits to better the societies in which they do business. Although it is true that large and small corporations benefit from philanthropy because of the large tax deductions and positive public relations factors, it is a fact that many corporations are quite serious about the philanthropy idea. Many corporations have entire divisions dedicated to philanthropic pursuits, and their goals are quite honorable.
That being said, corporate philanthropy obviously benefits everyone involved. When businesses and corporations donate a percentage of their profits each year to charity they are helping to support causes that that improve conditions in their communities. This can help raise the standards of living in the surrounding communities, which can in turn create more business for the corporations. Many corporations go way beyond immediate community involvement. The familiar fast food giant, McDonald’s® Corporation, has established charities to help people all over the world, including the well known Ronald McDonald House organization. Many charitable organizations could not exist without the help of corporations that give regularly each year, even if they also receive donations from individual philanthropists. Whether or not a corporation is practicing philanthropy purely for tax deductions or better public relations has very little bearing on the end results; corporate philanthropy helps people in need.
Corporations that are interested in philanthropy usually set up a division to oversee all philanthropic endeavors. Sometimes the people involved in this corporate division will be hired from within, but many times a business will hire someone from the outside who is experienced in corporate philanthropy to run the special division.
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