Exploring philanthropy examples across the eras

Exploring philanthropy examples across the eras

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Since the ancient Greeks philanthropy has been central to a healthy and efficient culture, and similar is true today.

One might, when one hears the word philanthropy, quickly think about a handful of famous philanthropists who are well known for giving away their fortunes to causes that they appreciate. This is something that has actually been the case for many thousands of years, with the very first documented instance of institutionalised philanthropy, as well as the inception 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 being', or humanism, than the limitations of wealth one might apply to the term nowadays, however nevertheless rich individuals played a crucial charity role in the culture. Wealthy people were anticipated to give back to the community, assisting to set up the money for repair work to public works like city walls or temples as well as funding festivals and other public events. Being stingy was not regarded well, and if a wealthy individual was not seen to be a philanthropist, they could be ostracised from the society altogether.

Various entities have been accountable for charity work throughout the ages. Although wealthy people and celebrity philanthropists may be seen as the central 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 religious organizations like the church that would have been the main charitable centers, both within the community and on bigger level projects. That changed with the coming of commercial enterprise when wealthy people became more powerful, and after that shifted once again towards the end of the 19th century when foundations began to emerge that were better organised and could commit more attention to getting things done. This is much the same way that charity is structured now, whether those foundations are established by grassroots groups, rich people, or companies like SJP.

The manner in which charity has actually been funded has altered a great deal throughout the course of human history, moving in between various entities which hold the most power and wealth, just as the focus of charity work has changed as various requirements have emerged. These days, there are a great many concerns that have to be attended to, from growing inequality to the climate crisis, and charity will inevitably play a crucial role in that process. Wealthy people with bank accounts that would make a medieval kings blush have their part to play, however so do the companies that are the central centers of monetary generation in the twenty-first century through things like corporate philanthropy. Whether that is setting up a foundation of their own or establishing ESG dedications, businesses like Morgan Stanley and Vanguard Group are beginning to do so.