“The smallest act of kindness is worth than the grandest intention.”
The word “Philanthropy” can be dated back to the fifth century when the Greek playwright, Aeschylus, coined the term from the Greek word “Philanthropia” which means “love for humanity.” Regarded as the father of modern Philanthropy, George Peabody, a Baltimore-based financier, hugely contributed to philanthropy growth and became an exemplary model for other Influential philanthropists like Andrew Carnegie. While many people often limit philanthropy to the donations of funds alone, it goes beyond that. Of course, notable philanthropists like Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, John Rockefeller donated a large chunk of their wealth to philanthropy. We can’t, however, forget the life-changing services of iconic personalities such as Mother Teresa and Paul Farmer, who served humanity with their time and skills.
Philanthropy, therefore, doesn’t only include monetary donations but rather the sacrifice of time, skills, talents, or treasure in a manner that’ll increase the overall state and productivity of humans in the world. And while charity only tends to mitigate the effects of social problems, philanthropy thrives in finding long-lasting solutions for the roots of social issues. Generosity has been a significant drive that has always kept the world in balance. Here are five reasons why philanthropy is vital to the individual donor and the world.
1. Philanthropy Has Improved Humanity
As the name implies, “love for humanity” has led to an unparalleled edge in not only the mitigation of social problems but addressing their root causes and exterminating them. In this 21st century, most significant social issues such as climate change, poverty, and racism require more collaborative and combative efforts both financially and otherwise. Successfully combating these problems can only be easily achieved through philanthropic services. The available funds, the human capital, and the skills far outweigh the required resources and thus call for extra dependency on collective resources. Philanthropy has filled this gap, changing lives continually, and improving many citizens’ well-being regardless of nations or geographical boundaries.
Philanthropy has uplifted many financially-struggling nations, and it has also prevented them from further financial sinkage. Worthy of recognition is the Bill Gates and Melinda foundation who’s donated about $150m to the fight against the current world ravaging coronavirus pandemic. Other philanthropists, including Alibaba founder, Jack Ma, Twitter CEO, Jack Dorsey, have also pledged substantial funds to fighting against the novel virus. Health workers have also been dedicating their skills and intellect to making the world a safer place despite diseases’ surge.
2. Philanthropy Unites and Enhances Global Bond
Philanthropy is one of the few unifying factors that has continually united the world. Many notable philanthropists’ coming together to surmount enormous global challenges have significantly increased social connections between these individuals and nations worldwide. Most philanthropic organizations contain members from many countries globally and aren’t limited to a specific region and therefore identify each nation’s particular needs. Also, donors who engage in philanthropy can build long-lasting relationships with other donors to address the general problems that confront humanity. Philanthropy binds and is an excellent way of building relationships, networks, and connections for better voluntary service rendition to humankind.
3. Philanthropy Boost Donors’ Morales
Whether it’s the donation of time, money, skills, or talents, people who engage in philanthropy tend to be happier and more fulfilled. Giving for charity serves as a significant mood and morale booster for those who indulge in the acts. Recent research has established a connection between volunteering and increased activity in the pleasure-registering brain area. And this proves the the fact that givers are less likely to face depression, anxiety, and stress which can lead to many other complicated health problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, and hypertension.
Personal fulfillment and self-satisfaction that comes with philanthropy can also boost givers’ immune systems, making them less susceptible to diseases and infections. Similarly, there’s also an established connection between selflessness and a longer life span since donors tend to be more happier, increasing their lives’ quality. Apart from health benefits, philanthropy can also strengthen the personal values of philanthropists. Voluntarily improving the lives of others is useful in reinforcing the emotional and moral values of individuals-donors.
4. Philanthropy Prevents Single Reliance on the Government
Sole reliance on the government to provide goods and services can cause inefficiency and declinations, especially when the government’s funds are inadequate to address all topical issues. But when philanthropists come together to improve humanity, the government can direct its available funds to other sectors that’ll significantly increase citizens’ welfare and the nation’s growth. Many global charity organizations such as the United Nations Foundations, Americares, and the National Resources Defence Council have helped citizens worldwide address some of their most significant challenges.
5. Philanthropy Breeds More Charity
Philanthropy is contagious. A good example is how the American business magnate, John Davison Rockefeller, got partly inspired to engage in philanthropy. His fellow age tycoon, Andrew Carnegie, substantially gave away his money to charity. Rockefeller likewise donated huge money amounts to some of the most significant humanity sectors encompassing education, religion, and science. Philanthropy can lead to the encouragement of friends and family of philanthropists to participate in the giving acts. Most notably, a family with parents who engage in philanthropy is likely to have children who also participate in the actions. Philanthropy breeds more giving, leading to more positive results and creating favorable changes.
Conclusion
Employees who work in non-profit organizations tend to enjoy inner satisfaction with the intuition that they’re significantly affecting others’ lives positively. And no matter how small or large the kind acts might be, philanthropy has hugely contributed to making the world a better and safer place. Compared to how reading a comprehensive comparison between the Traeger and Rec Tec grills and the right cooking accessories can make your cooking fun and more comfortable.
