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The Future of Philanthropy

Katherine Fulton: You are the future of philanthropy | Video on TED.com.

Philanthropy as defined by Wikipedia is “the effort or inclination to increase the well-being of mankind, as by charitable aid or donations.”

What is it today? Is it just the Bill Gates of the world that have 100’s of millions of dollars to give away or is it something else. Is it something more than we understand or are even aware of? Is it something that is growing, changing, evolving –  becoming it’s own social movement that is spreading globally? Since I am in the social business of giving in this blog, I am searching out interesting and informative angles on philanthropy. TED is always a wealth of information featuring unique speakers that inspire on every topic you could ever imagine.

The featured talk I chose – link above – is of Katherine Fulton who has made her business from the study, advisement and advancement of the New Philanthropy. Her TED talk focuses on the New Philanthropy and how it is evolving and how all of us can be philanthropists through business. She focuses on innovative ideas that step us out of our boxes on how we have been brought up to think about giving.

Have you even heard of these terms: philanthrocapitalism, social entrepreneurs, natural capitalism, venture philanthropy, microphilanthropy. I hadn’t heard of all them and I am doing a blog on giving. New ideas that are cropping up all over the world and spreading virally to create the change the world needs to survive.

These are just a few examples Katherine refers to in her talk and worth taking taking the time to look at and consider.

Kiva:

The micro loan business changing the way giving money is done. Alleviating poverty by empowering people to take control of their lives rather than giving hand outs that keep them in their poverty stricken lives. We all know the metaphor – give a man a fish or teach him to fish.

YouthGive:

Believes that anyone can give back. By teaching our children to become philanthropist in their youth they will be our next generation of givers and global citizens.

Network for Good:

You can give any time of day or night on this site. You can search out, find and give everyday. You can be a philanthropist every day.

Katherine’s business philosophy for her company Monitor, is a great example of dong business in a new way. Quoted directly from her site, “We are organized as a business in order to best leverage Monitor’s global resources without restrictions—and we operate for public benefit, aiming to advance our mission and to serve the global social-innovation community of which we are a part.”

It is the fine art of balancing our passions for giving back and still making a living. If we all made this business model part of the companies we own, the companies we work for or the ideas we create, wouldn’t the world be a different place. We could still profit but so could the causes we affiliate ourselves with.

This was a quote from Katherine’s talk I will leave you with:

“We have lived in this world where littel things are done for love and big things for money.

Now we have Wikipedia – suddenly big things can be done for love.”

Author: Clay Shirley

What people are saying about 365give

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the teaching you provided today. Your message was delivered eloquently, compassionately, and without judgment. The kids were engaged, and now have knowledge with which they can change the world. We all appreciated how you took the time to help us learn to build positive mindsets and practice happiness.”
Shelley Gardner, Grade 6 Ridgeview Elementary (West Vancouver)
“Actions really do speak louder than words, which is why I believe the 365give Challenge has resonated throughout my community. Every give we do is so important to us and leaves us happier and appreciating our lives a little bit more than before.”
Mahina Niyozova (Tajikistan)
“After watching the 365give TEDx Talk, I was inspired to join and begin a daily giving program in India. Today, along with 12 other volunteer women, we provide 100 meals to local underprivileged children in Bangalore for school every day.”
Deepika Ahuja, Mom (Bangalore, India)
“My life has greater meaning now.”
Renate Jorge, @BeKindBrazil and 365give Member, Family Program (Brazil)
“I just wanted to share that 365give really helped me. I am a better person now, thank you.”
MayLee, 365give Member, Individual Program
“This 365give Challenge has really injected excitement and extra enthusiasm in each work day as I think about what we can do. It has motivated me and the students.”
Cristina Peters, School Counselor (New York City, USA)
“I have seen a huge shift in energy throughout my classroom since doing the 365give Challenge. The Challenge has empowered my students to make a positive difference in the school’s community and beyond.”
Cella Adriana, Special Needs Educator /The Holliswood School (New York City, USA)
“The 365give Challenge helps students understand their impact on others. It opens avenues for introducing and discussing global and local issues in classrooms. It is powerful to watch students of all ages think about how they can make a change in another person’s life with one small act.”
Jessica Hall, Primary Teacher, French Immersion at École Pauline Johnson (West Vancouver, Canada)