Philanthropy
Philanthropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed through charitable donations of money, time, or resources to causes that benefit society.
Philanthropy is the practice of promoting the welfare of others through charitable giving — donations of money, time, expertise, or resources to organizations and causes that benefit society. The word comes from the Greek for "love of humanity."
Why It Matters for Fundraising
Understanding what motivates philanthropic giving is foundational to effective fundraising. Donors give for many reasons: personal connection to a cause, desire for impact, tax benefits, social recognition, legacy, and moral obligation. The best fundraising speaks to these motivations authentically. Philanthropy in the United States exceeds $500 billion annually, with individual giving accounting for roughly 70% of the total.
Philanthropy vs. Charity
While often used interchangeably, philanthropy and charity carry different connotations. Charity typically addresses immediate needs (feeding the hungry today), while philanthropy often implies systemic change (solving the root causes of hunger). Effective nonprofits communicate both the immediate relief and the long-term change their work creates.