Exploring philanthropy examples across the eras

Exploring philanthropy examples across the eras

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Charity is not a modern phenomenon by any means, but has an abundant and developing history that stretches over 2 thousands years.

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, along with the source of the philanthropy meaning and word, occurring over 2 thousand years back in ancient Greece. During this duration, the word implied something more akin to 'caring of one's fellow human being', or humanism, than the limitations of wealth one might apply to the term nowadays, but nonetheless rich individuals played a crucial charity role in the culture. Rich people were expected to give back to the society, helping to install the cash for repair work to public works like city walls or temples in addition to financing 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 altogether.

Several entities have been accountable for charity work throughout the ages. Although rich individuals and celebrity philanthropists might be seen as the main charitable force in the contemporary world, that is not always 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 altered with the coming of commercial enterprise when rich individuals ended up being 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, wealthy people, or companies like SJP.

The way that charity has actually been funded has altered a great deal throughout the course of human history, moving between various 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 dealt with, from rising inequality to the climate crisis, and charity will inevitably play an essential part in that process. Wealthy people with savings 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.