This blog seeks to discover, explore, discuss, learn about, analyze, and understand philanthropy. We discussed in the previous post why a blog is important; now, we briefly discuss philanthropy and the importance behind continual, active learning and understanding about philanthropy.
Philanthropy is defined as the desire to promote the welfare of others and comes from the Greek word philanthropos, which means ‘love of humankind.’ While the word itself does not suggest power, a further explanation illustrates its importance in the wider world.
Dr. Amir Pasic, Eugene R. Tempel Dean of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, states that “voluntary action for the public good shapes who we are and the world around us. It is a power we are beginning to understand better and to use more deliberately.”
Not only does philanthropy shape the wider world, it also strengthens communities and encourages openness and inclusion. It’s not a one-way street, however. We’ll also explore the ways in which philanthropy can be used to assert control or other various negative aspects about philanthropy.
The field of philanthropy has rapidly changed and grown throughout the last several decades. From the growth in institutions focused on the study of philanthropy, to scholarly articles designed to analyze philanthropy from various, diverse angles, to public discussions with elected officials, community leaders, and engaged citizens, to the simple—and often not so simple—acts of volunteering and giving, philanthropy and its effects will continue to affect civil society.
Throughout this blog, we hope to provide insight into how the field of philanthropy is changing and growing. Want to learn about an expert opinion on women’s philanthropy? It’s here, courtesy of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute. Want to learn about the history of philanthropy and its role in civil society? Diverse topics on philanthropy will be presented via the holistic approach the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy takes to understanding issues, trends, and practices.
Have any questions about philanthropy? We’ll seek to discuss them here and learn how and in what ways those questions are being asked, discussed, and analyzed every day.
Stay tuned for our final post in this introductory series about the blog from the world’s first school of philanthropy, the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, and join us regularly as together we explore the factors and forces that shape and are shaped by philanthropy.
What are your thoughts on philanthropy? Feel free to send us a question or comment in the Leave a Reply section below the article.
Abby Rolland is the blog content coordinator for the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
So excited that this blog has been created. I am looking forward to learning and reading more about emerging trends and historical perspectives. I know this will be a valuable resource!
Hi Jamilia, thank you for your nice comments. We look forward to sharing new insights and perspectives with you.
Philanthropy means the love of humanity, in the sense of caring and nourishing, it involves both the benefactor in their identifying and exercising their values, and the beneficiary in their receipt and benefit from the service or goods provided. So this is why i liked your blog on Philanthropy.
Thank You