Philanthropy v Charitable Giving
Some people think that Philanthropy and Charitable giving are interchangeable terms. They are actually slightly different forms of giving.
Philanthropy can be broadly defined as love for humankind. It is derived from the Greek words "philos," which means loving and "anthropos," which means humankind.
Charitable giving is the act of giving money, goods or time either directly or by means of a charitable trust or other worthy cause.
Philanthropy’s aim is to improve the wellbeing of humankind by preventing and resolving social issues. In contrast, charity emphasises eliminating the suffering generated by social issues whereas philanthropy emphasises eliminating the social issues.
An example that highlights the difference between philanthropy and charitable giving is donating food to someone who is need is considered charity. The food donated helps the person for a short period of time, however the person will become hungry again in the future. However, teaching the person to how to grow food is considered philanthropy as it eliminates the social problem causing the person’s hunger.
Both philanthropy and charitable giving are exceptional ways to help people in need. Most people are not in the position to be philanthropists therefore charitable giving is suited to them better.
Here is a list of why charitable giving is a great way to help!
1. Donating to charities is a major mood-booster! Knowing you are helping others in need is highly empowering which can make you feel happier and gratified. Studies have shown that there is a link between making a donation to charity and increased activity in the area of the brain that registers pleasure. This reiterates the idea that it is far better to give than to receive.
2. Being able to share the experience of donating to charity with children, portrays to them from a young age that they are able to make positive changes in the world. It is natural for children to love to help others, so igniting their generosity, means that when they grow up, they will have a greater appreciation for what they have and will continue supporting charities in future years.
3. In addition to inspiring children to donate to charity, your giving may inspire other family members to donate! This could result in a family-wide effort to give to a charity or charities that have a particular significance to you all. Family donating creates a special bond between each other and helps strengthen relationships between everyone through a shared common goal of wanting to do good and donating.
https://www.learningtogive.org/resources/philanthropy