What is a philanthropist?
What is philanthropy?
Greek playwright Aeschylus coined the term philanthropy in the 5th century BCE. It meant “love of humanity.” Today, philanthropy means generosity in all its forms and is often defined as giving gifts of “time, talent, and treasure” to help make life better for other people.
You can practice philanthropy by making a monetary gift, such as a donation to a cause you believe in. You can also practice philanthropy by giving your time—serving in a soup kitchen, tutoring a teen, or engaging in any other volunteer activity that aims to improve lives. So, the answer to “what is a philanthropist” is a person who exhibits these behaviors, regardless of how many resources (or how few) that person has.
Is there a difference between charity and philanthropy?
Charity is the actual action that is taken to improve someone’s life: stocking shelves at a food bank like Tony’s Feeding America project, building shelters for refugees, or providing medical care after a disaster. As an organization, a charity is an entity that coordinates and supplies these on-the-ground services.
Philanthropy is what supplies charities with the funds, personnel, and equipment they need. So what is a philanthropist versus a volunteer? They share many similarities, but philanthropy is a strategic process in which donations of time, skills, and/or money are made in order to address a systemic or social issue.
What are the benefits of being a philanthropist?
Many philanthropists are driven by a deep desire to solve social problems and help others. Most philanthropists aren’t in it for fame or recognition. The biggest benefit of being a philanthropist is that it fulfills some of our deepest human needs.
Philanthropy fulfills our need for contribution. Have you ever reached a major milestone in your life – your dream job, starting a business, financial freedom – and wondered why you still feel like something is missing? It’s likely because you’re not fulfilling your need for contribution. As our forefather says, “It is not what we get, but whom we become and what we contribute that gives meaning to our lives.”
Being a philanthropist can actually improve your own life, too. The law of attraction states that we get back the energy we put into the world. By focusing on giving back, making a difference, and creating positive change, you’ll create a cycle that brings abundance back to you tenfold.
How can I become a philanthropist?
You don’t need millions of dollars to be a philanthropist. Even if you don’t have large pools of capital to deploy into non-profits or other recipients, you can still give – your time, your energy, or whatever resources you have that you’d like to share. In this way, everyone can become a philanthropist.
Famous philanthropists have ample resources at their disposal and nearly unlimited opportunities to help others. They have the funds to make a big difference and the social capital to spread their message. You might not have these same resources at your disposal, but you still have the opportunity to make a positive impact. If you can’t donate goods or money, donate your time or skills. The meaning of being a true philanthropist isn’t about money – it’s about passion.
If you're interested in becoming a philanthropist, consider these steps to implement charitable giving in your personal or professional life:
- Identify a cause
Start by identifying a cause you believe in and want to support. Think about organizations or practices that you feel connected to, like the environment or education, for example. Make a list of a few you'd consider supporting based on your own personal connections or interests.
- Consider the outcome
Think about what you'd like to achieve through your philanthropy. For example, you might identify a specific, measurable outcome, like providing desks for an underserved school, or you might have broader, less structured goals like giving a certain amount of time or money to your chosen cause each month or year.
- Determine a contribution
Establish how much you want to give to your cause. Some philanthropists donate money, while others donate time or resources. Think about what you're willing and able to donate and what course of action will best align with your pre-determined outcome goals established in step two.
- Look for potential opportunities
With a thoughtful framework including potential causes, contribution amounts, and desired outcomes, you can begin researching and vetting specific organizations or groups as the focus of your philanthropy. Look into potential organizations' leadership, use of funds, and outcomes to ensure their mission aligns well with your goals.
- Establish a philanthropy plan
Once you've selected an organization to devote your philanthropy efforts, set up a plan for how you'll regularly support the group. You might determine a percentage of your income to donate each month or year, set aside one day each quarter to volunteer for the organization, or help gather necessary resources on behalf of the group.
- Think about long-term giving
Evaluate your philanthropic plan at regular intervals, like once a year. You might find a different organization you want to work with or you may have the means to increase your giving. Additionally, make long-term plans to continue your philanthropy by establishing a trust or fund for the organization or cause after your death.
How MyLegacy can help
MyLegacy is an innovative platform that connects charitable organizations with donors from around the world. It provides a simple and convenient way for individuals and organizations to find the best charity that aligns with their values and interests. With its easy-to-use interface, MyLegacy makes it easy for donors to search for causes they care about and to find trustworthy charities that make the greatest impact. The platform offers detailed information on each charity, including its mission, activities, and financials, allowing donors to make informed decisions about where to donate their resources. By connecting donors with the right charities, MyLegacy helps make a positive impact on communities and causes around the world.
About Us
At MyLegacy, we are dedicated to promoting philanthropy and encouraging individuals and organizations to give back to their communities and the causes they care about. We believe that everyone has the power to make a difference and leave a lasting impact, no matter how big or small their resources may be. Our platform is designed to facilitate informed giving so that every donation makes the greatest possible impact. We believe that philanthropy is an essential part of creating a better world, and we are proud to play a role in encouraging and supporting it.
Mission
Our mission at MyLegacy is to empower individuals and organizations to make a lasting impact on the causes they care about. We strive to create a world where charitable giving is accessible, informed, and impactful. By connecting donors with the right charities, we aim to bridge the gap between those who want to give and those who need support, making it easier for everyone to create a legacy of kindness and change.
Join Us
The MyLegacy affiliate program is a way for individuals and organizations to earn money by promoting the MyLegacy platform to others. By joining the affiliate program, you can earn a commission for every new donor that you refer to the platform.
To participate in the affiliate program, you simply need to sign up and promote MyLegacy to your network. You'll be given a unique affiliate link to share, and you'll earn a commission for every successful referral. The commission amount may vary based on the specific terms of the affiliate program.
Participating in the MyLegacy affiliate program is a great way to earn an income while making a positive impact. By sharing the platform with others, you can help connect more donors with the charities that need their support, and you'll earn a commission for every successful referral.
So, if you're looking for a way to earn money and make a difference, consider joining the MyLegacy affiliate program. It's a win-win situation that allows you to create a legacy of kindness and positive change, all while earning an income. Become a part of something truly special.
