Creating Lasting, Meaningful Impact

In this joint commentary, NVPC's director of Strategy & Policy and Knowledge & Insights and CFS' director of Partnerships & Engagement delve into the past, present, and future of giving.

- NG SEOK MUN & THERESA CHEONG

Philanthropy, a term derived from the Greek words "philos" (love) and "anthropos" (humanity), encapsulates the broad and noble concept of the love of humanity. Over time, however, the term evolved, particularly at the start of the modern century, often associated with the wealthy and seen as a means through which the affluent could contribute to societal welfare through monetary donations.

In recent years, however, there has been an increasing push to return the word to its original roots, motivated by a renewed mindset on how we can approach giving. Rather than being limited to a narrow scope, philanthropy should be treated as a diverse range of contributions, from treasure to time, talent, ties, and testimony.

This change in perspective reflects a shift towards a more inclusive understanding that everyone has something valuable to offer in promoting the common good and creating a more caring, inclusive, and compassionate society. In embracing this broader perspective, we can ensure that philanthropy remains a powerful force for positive change, fostering a society where the love of humanity continues to inspire action and drive progress.

THE GIVING LANDSCAPE