Philanthropy 2
By
Leanna Caldwell
Kenny Dinh
Michelle Irigoyen
And
Tray Kennedy
Philanthropy, a term
known globally as the act of donating goods, money, and services to support
charitable causes worldwide over extended periods of time. It has been an aspect
of social practice and human interaction throughout the ages. Philanthropy
encompasses any altruistic activity intended to promote good or improve human
quality of life. It has become a major source of income for educational
institutions, humanitarian causes, and for art culture over past centuries.
Also philanthropy is not always viewed as a universal good by people worldwide
due to unknown ambitions of the donators. Simply put it as the weak sponging
off the strong, a view of those who oppose government welfare programs.
There are plenty of new philanthropists in our
present day society. Even though we may be jaded by our many materialistic
advances, there are still good people out there. The five most recognized ‘new
age’ philanthropists are Bill and Melinda Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie, and Bono. All of these people have one thing in
common – to better our society by donating their wealth to the more
unfortunate. Because of this, thousands of people are being saved all over the
world every single day.
People
such as Andrew Carnegie and the Ford family were crucial in starting a major
philanthropy movement. Starting off as a poor young boy, Andrew Carnegie was
able to strike it rich with his steel company. To improve his business by
encouraging competition among his employees by offering them
stock in the company. He would also buy out most other businesses in the Steel
Industry, making him owner of the wealthiest and most prominent company.
Carnegie also held strong belief in the Gospel of Wealth, where those who
profit from society owe it something in return. It was because of this belief
that ninety percent of his fortune went to the music and arts and continues to
support them today. On the other hand, the Ford family, more specifically Edsel Ford, founded the Ford Foundation. This foundation
funded programs, helped in reducing poverty, and scientific research. The Ford
Foundation focused on strengthening democratic values, arts, cultures, and
human rights.
From what you’ve read, you are probably concluded that all
these wealthy people give out of the goodness of their hearts, right? Maybe, but everyone has an ulterior
motive. What do these people gain from
their generous giving? James Smithson
willed his fortune to his nephew, Henry James Dickinson when he died with no
children. If Henry too died with no
heirs, than the Smithson fortune would go to the
Related Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Carnegie
- Valuable information on Andrew Carnegie and his early life, Steel Industry,
and beliefs as a philanthropist. Includes links to more detail on his Gospel of
Wealth.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philanthropists
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_D._Rockefeller
- Supplies in depth the life John Rockefeller and history and control of the
Standard Oil Company.
http://www.wrhs.org/html/philanthropictimeline/timeline1.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/philanthropist
http://www.forbes.com/2006/05/04/cx_me_0505featslide.html?thisspeed=3400
http://philanthropy.com- offers
information on different chronicles involving philanthropy.
http://www.philanthropyroundtable.org-
provides full range access to ideas and information for the benefit of
philanthropy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Smithson
- Detailed account of James Smithson’s life and accomplishments as the originator
of the Smithsonian Institute.