What is Philanthropy?

Espace idées • January 9th, 2018

Do people look at you funny when you tell them you work in philanthropy? Well, you’re not alone! Although this term is increasingly used in Québec, many people still do not know the meaning.

Philanthropy : More Than Donations

Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for common good. It’s a tradition of giving and sharing that is essential to quality of life (definition from Association of Fundraising Professionals). This word comes from the ancient Greek "philanthropia" which means "loving people" and brings together all charities and non-profit organizations and, of course, all people showing compassion and generosity.

Philanthropy certainly includes donations, but it also includes gifts of goods, volunteering, community involvement, social entrepreneurship (hello Espace idées! 😉), responsible buying/consumption, and more.

The philanthropic sector is evident everywhere, in ways we may not even realize. Indeed, nonprofit organizations offer many essential services that affect virtually every aspect of our lives: the environment, education, health, sports, arts and culture, human rights, etc. Is your boy a goalie in a minor league hockey team? Does your niece sell chocolate door-to-door to raise money for her school? Is your sister a soprano in a choir? Does your neighbour use adapted transportation? Philanthropy operates all around us and we all benefit.

A Professionnal Sector

In Canada, the philanthropic sector generates $251 billion in revenue, employs 1.7 million people full-time, which represents 12% of the Canadian labour force (CanadaHelps.org Study, 2017).

Nonprofit organizations are full of experienced professionals! There’s even an international Association of Fundraising Professionals and, closer to home, l’Association des professionnels en gestion philanthropique du Québec. Several university courses are now offered across Canada and the United States. In Québec, a certificate in philanthropic management is offered by Université de Montréal.

It is also a sector that the population has confidence in. In 2013, the Muttart Foundation released the fifth edition of its survey, Talking About Charities. More than 3,800 Canadians participated and nearly four in five Canadians said they had "a lot of trust" or "some confidence" in nonprofit organizations.

You're a Philanthropist!

Everyone is a philanthropist because we’re all doing small and big things to improve the outcome of members of our community. Whether you make one, three or five donations a year or give time by volunteering, the important thing is to help the causes you care about.

I invite you to watch this short video clip about philanthropy made by Global Philanthropy Group. It visually depicts how each individual can make a difference and thereby have an impact on others around them.

Next time you talk about philanthropy, we hope people’s eyes light up!