WHAT IS A PHILANTHROPIST?

Philanthropy is a very important part of any free society. It focuses on eliminating social problems at their source, rather than solely addressing the symptoms of those problems. Philanthropy provides opportunities for education, relief, growth, and success that would otherwise never have been available.

Donating to a food bank, financially supporting organizations on the front lines of the global COVID-19 pandemic, or volunteering in a local library's after-school program are examples of how philanthropic practice increases quality of life, strengthens community ties and elevates others. Although many of us have seen on television a kind of misunderstood philanthropy, as happens in the series the squid game.

HISTORY OF PHILANTHROPY

Philanthropy is defined as the love of humanity. The word itself is first found in the works of the Greek playwright Aeschylus more than 2,500 years ago, but the combined concept of "Philos" (love) and "Anthropos" (humanity) existed long before the word was invented. written.

From the beginning, civilizations around the world were built on the idea that empathy, care, and understanding of the needs of others were fundamental to survival and growth.

A MODERN APPROACH

Modern philanthropy aims to improve the quality of life for humanity through donations. Year after year, the number of people who engage in active philanthropy grows exponentially. Although the Pope has said that Christian charity is not simple philanthropy.

Public figures like Warren Buffet, along with many other charitable donors on Forbes' list of top donors, bring attention to causes that affect communities around the world by promoting social change.

IS PHILANTHROPY APPROPRIATE?

Most people engage in philanthropy on a regular basis, although they may have different names for it. If you support fundraising efforts at work or school, set aside money from your paycheck in a workplace donor-advised fund, volunteer at your church or in the community, or engage with campaigns of crowdsourcing in the digital sphere, you are a philanthropist.

THE BENEFITS OF PHILANTHROPY

Over time, philanthropic giving can become a regular habit. For those who want to increase the frequency and amount of their donations, there are several vehicles to guide donors.

Foundations, charitable trusts, and donor-advised funds are some of the ways donors can engage in flexible philanthropy geared toward generational giving, immediate grant recommendations, and thereby increasing their options for supporting important causes for the future.

Philanthropy provides a number of benefits to both the giver and the recipient. For the recipient of a grant or donation, the gift can literally change her life. For the donor, philanthropy can provide a greater sense of happiness and personal fulfillment driven by love of community, altruism, religious and personal values, family legacy, or all of the above.

IMPORTANCE

Philanthropy is important because it provides opportunities, supports projects and efforts that may be too unpopular or controversial to gain widespread support from the general public or government. For this reason, philanthropy is a very important part of a democratic society.

Philanthropists are not accountable to the government or the public, so they are free to choose the people and projects they support.

RELATED IDEAS

CHARITY IS DIFFERENT FROM PHILANTHROPY

The goal of the charity is to alleviate immediate suffering. It is usually a temporary solution to a social problem. Unlike philanthropy, charity is not focused on ending social problems.

CHARITY REFORM

It encourages philanthropists to give wisely with the results of their actions in mind. Charity reform discourages donations that do not help the recipient learn to help himself.

FOUNDATIONS

These are organizations that make grants to individuals and non-profit organizations. If foundations meet certain restrictions, they are exempt from taxes under the law.

A HUMANITARIAN VISION

Philanthropy means " focusing on the love of humanity ". In this way, a person can care for, develop or nurture her human potential. In modern times it has focused on quality of life, and on balancing a social-scientific area of ​​our society. In addition, it has spread to the business and government sectors, as the generations have evolved.

WHAT IS A PHILANTHROPIST AND A HIGH-IMPACT DONOR?

A high-impact philanthropist, or high-impact donor, is someone who gives and donates with high impact and effectiveness in mind. They are honest about their beliefs, but also consider the effectiveness of a charity before making a donation of any size.

For example, a high-impact donor who has a special love for supporting charities that end hunger, the donor will not only choose the ones they see on TV commercials or on Youtube but will search for the charities that are effective and high impact.

WAYS TO BECOME A PHILANTHROPIST

It doesn't take a lot of money to be a philanthropist. Having money doesn't hurt, but it's not a necessity. Instead of donating money, you can use your talent, your time, or your skills to positively influence the world.

For example, you can serve food to the homeless, volunteer at a shelter for battered women and children, or tutor at-risk teens. In addition, it is shown that philanthropy also emotionally helps the person who gives.

For example, it can help you learn to do good things without expecting anything in return. And if you're an entrepreneur, philanthropy can benefit your business by helping you think more creatively.

And if you have money to share, various charities may need your help. Just remember to do your research first and make sure you're donating to a legitimate charity and a worthy cause.

But remember that money is not a deciding factor in qualifying a philanthropist. Mother Teresa was a famous philanthropist who positively influenced many lives, but she was by no means a millionaire.

Most philanthropists are not famous or millionaires. They are ordinary people who just want to make the world a better place for everyone.