Keep reading to discover the manner ins which philanthropy has actually developed over the last number of centuries, from who gives and how the work is done.
One might, when one hears the word philanthropy, quickly think of a handful of famous philanthropists who are well known for handing out their fortunes to causes that they appreciate. This is something that has been the case for lots of thousands of years, with the first documented example of institutionalised philanthropy, along with the source of the philanthropy meaning and word, happening over 2 thousand years ago in ancient Greece. During this period, the word suggested something more akin to 'loving of one's fellow human', or humanism, than the restrictions of wealth one might apply to the term now, however nevertheless wealthy people played a crucial charity role in the culture. Wealthy people were expected to give back to the society, helping to set up the money for repair work to public works like city walls or temples along with financing festivals and other public events. Being pinchpenny was not regarded well, and if a wealthy person was not seen to be a philanthropist, they could be ostracised from the community completely.
Several entities have been responsible for charity work throughout the ages. Although wealthy people and celebrity philanthropists might be viewed as the main charitable force in the modern world, that is not necessarily completely correct, nor has it been for much of history. In the middle ages, it was spiritual organizations like the church that would have been the primary charitable hubs, both within the community and on larger level projects. That changed with the coming of industry when rich people ended up being more powerful, and after that moved once again towards the end of the nineteenth century when foundations began to spring up that were better organised and could dedicate more attention to getting things done. This is much the same manner in which charity is structured now, whether those foundations are built by grassroots groups, rich individuals, or companies like SJP.
The way that charity has been funded has changed a great deal throughout the course of human history, moving between different entities which hold the most power and wealth, just as the focus of charity work has changed as different needs have emerged. Today, there are a great many issues that have to be addressed, from increasing inequality to the climate crisis, and charity will inevitably play an important role in that process. Wealthy people with bank accounts that would make a medieval kings blush have their part to play, but so do the firms that are the main centers of monetary generation in the 21st century through things like corporate philanthropy. Whether that is establishing a foundation of their own or developing ESG dedications, businesses like Morgan Stanley and Vanguard Group are beginning to do so.