Philanthropy, << fuh LAN thruh pee, >> is the promotion of the well-being of human beings by individuals and groups who contribute their services or dedicate their property and money. Philanthropy differs from charity in that it usually helps a large group or an institution, rather than one or a few individuals.
Nearly all civilizations have practiced some type of philanthropy. The ancient Jews levied a tithe (tax) for the poor. In ancient Egypt and Greece, royal families and the wealthy gave gifts to establish libraries and universities. During the Middle Ages, the period in European history from about the 400’s through the 1400’s, the Christian church supported hospitals and orphanages.
In Anglo-Saxon law, the legal basis of philanthropy rests on the Statute of Charitable Uses, passed in England in 1601. The statute eliminated taxes on property used for assisting the poor, orphans, and the aged; and on hospitals, schools, and universities.
In the United States, gifts from private donors helped establish many early churches, colleges, and hospitals. For example, gifts helped create and support Harvard College. In 1826, James Smithson, a British scientist, set aside money for the creation of the Smithsonian Institution (see Smithsonian Institution ).
Philanthropy has played an increasingly important role in U.S. society since the mid-1800’s. People of large fortunes, such as John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie, established foundations that have worked to better humanity nationally and internationally. The contributions of such people have set an example for the public, which contributes billions of dollars annually.
