The Evolution of Philanthropy: Catalyst for Social Transformation

Philanthropy can also be defined as a collective form of charitable giving to change and improve the quality of life, or voluntary action for the public good. All these conceptions of philanthropy encompass voluntary giving, voluntary service, voluntary association, and moral action in response to the “human problematic” (Payton 2008). However, as a concept and in practice, it has different definitions; it can be defined as the practice of individuals reflecting a “love of humanity”, but also the voluntary dedication of personal wealth and skills for the benefit of specific public causes and bringing about specific changes. The term also refers to the private efforts to solve common social problems such as poverty or ignorance. 

Origins of Philanthropy

Philanthropy is an ancient tradition (Payton 2008), with historical roots of philanthropy as social change in American society going back to the different social movements carried out in support of underserved populations in the uniquely diverse society of America through philanthropic and voluntary actions. In early America, around the 1700s, philanthropy was found within public discourse, in gift exchanges, religious experiences, reformist climates, and in other not entirely institution-bound forms (Friedman, 2003). Two points are notable here; charitable impulses dominated life in small communities in early colonial America (Friedman, 2003), and the unique diversity in early American society gave rise to the field of philanthropy. 

Early social changes were manifested in the form of social movements (collectively acting with some continuity to promote or resist a change in the society or organization of which it is part). One of the most powerful movements in U.S. history is abolitionism – the struggle to end slavery – which happened during the nineteenth-century reform movements and brought blacks and whites into an integrated socio-political movement for the first time in U.S. history. Later, the civil rights movement- the struggle for the universal application of legal and social rights to all persons in the United States regardless of their religion, social background, race, color, gender, heritage, and other factors- was a milestone in American history. The movement began during the 1950s and continued as a major political force through the late 1970s. The civil rights movement can be named the first American social movement, which was organized, managed, and often funded by formal nonprofit organizations.

Philanthropy for Social Change

The role of philanthropy for social good is as an essential tool in our collective attempts to solve problems and is a force for social change (Burlingame 2004). It is important because it is a mode of action that shapes our individual lives and the world around us in broad ways (Payton 2008). Philanthropy, many times, has been the driving force that has provided the desired changes in different movements throughout history.

It is noteworthy that the efforts of citizens to influence the policies of government and other institutions in society are central to democracy. Asserting that philanthropy is a force for social change, means that philanthropic resources should be used to support social change work such as movements. The lack of resources damages the concept of active citizenship and contributes to a society where only people with resources can act effectively and actively. 

Citizen partnership outside of government occurs most often through nonprofit organizations, and funding for this partnership originates from some kind of philanthropy (individual or organizational). One way in which the sector and philanthropic action engage in social change is through social change funds, which have increased in recent years within the sector and grown considerably in the United States since the 1970s. These funds have supported organizations lacking philanthropic resources, groups advocating for social change, and empowering marginalized people through poverty and/or discrimination.