As long as people have been on this planet, they have taken care of one another. It is what we do as humans. It is at the essence of who we are. Why I know this to be true, I can honestly say that I have never really thought about the history of philanthropy, which by the way, literally means for the love of mankind.
This past weekend in an effort to avoid all of the holiday junk in my in box I came across an article from The National Philanthropic Trust that was so interesting, I felt compelled to share a few highlights. I highly recommend you take a look yourself.
Here were a few fun facts as broken down from The History of Giving.org
Age of Discovery (1500-1750)
1526-In Spain the government consolidated all charitable resources for those unable to work.
1601-Parliament passes the statue on charitable use
1710-Cotton Mather publishes an essay entitled Do Good and is considered the father of American philanthropy
Upheaval and Reform (1750-1890)
1750- Benjamin Franklin begins a donor match program to build the first American General Hospital that helps serve the poor.
1844- YMCA was founded in London and U.S. Supreme Court establishes Donor Intent for estates.
Lasting Change (1890-1930)
1899-Andrew Carnegie called on the wealthy to distribute their wealth to serve others.
1901- Alfred Noble leaves his estate to create the Nobel Peace Prize.
1904- Gandhi’s social movement transforms India’s concept of giving.
1913- John D Rockefeller creates his foundation
Redefining Philanthropy (1930-1980)
1935- Social Security is established in the United States
1945- World War II relief efforts span the globe but are originated in the United States
1960-Philanthropist fund the Civil Rights Movement.
Again, just a very few facts, from a much longer and more comprehensive history of giving article. The reason why I think it is so important to share, especially this time of year, is to remind each of us that mankind has been taking care of one another from the very beginning. It is just what we do.
So this holiday season, think about what your families history of giving is? Maybe it’s starting with you, if so what will your legacy be? We don’t have to be the Rockefeller’s to be philanthropist, we simply have to love mankind…however, we choose to do that.
Charity Matters.
