Keep reading to discover the ways that philanthropy has evolved over the last number of centuries, from who gives and how the work is done.
One might, when one hears the word philanthropy, immediately think of a handful of famous philanthropists who are well known for distributing their fortunes to causes that they appreciate. This is something that has held true for many thousands of years, with the first chronicled instance of institutionalised philanthropy, as well as the genesis of the philanthropy meaning and word, happening over two thousand years earlier in ancient Greece. During this period, the word suggested something more similar to 'loving of one's fellow human', or humanism, than the constraints of wealth one might apply to the term today, however nevertheless rich individuals played a crucial charity role in the culture. Rich people were expected to give back to the community, assisting to put up the cash for repair work to public works like city walls or temples along with funding celebrations and other public celebrations. Being pinchpenny was not looked upon well, and if a rich person was not seen to be a benefactor, they could be ostracised from the community completely.
Various entities have actually been responsible for charity work throughout the ages. Although rich individuals and celebrity philanthropists may be viewed as the main charitable force in the contemporary world, that is not necessarily completely true, nor has it been for much of history. In the middle ages, it was spiritual institutions like the church that would have been the primary charitable hubs, both within the community and on bigger level projects. That altered with the coming of industry when wealthy people became more powerful, and then moved again towards the end of the 19th century when foundations started to spring up that were much better organised and could dedicate more attention to getting things done. This is much the same manner in which charity is structured these days, whether those foundations are established by grassroots groups, rich people, or companies like SJP.
The manner in which charity has been funded has actually changed a great deal throughout the course of human history, moving in between different entities which hold the most power and wealth, just as the focus of charity work has altered as different needs have actually emerged. Today, there are a great many problems that need to be addressed, from rising inequality to the climate crisis, and charity will inevitably play an essential part in that procedure. Wealthy individuals with checking account that would make a medieval kings blush have their part to play, but so do the businesses that are the main hubs of financial generation in the 21st century through things like corporate philanthropy. Whether that is establishing a foundation of their own or establishing ESG commitments, businesses like Morgan Stanley and Vanguard Group are starting to do so.