What is Philanthropy?

Short Synopsis

What is Philanthropy? explores the historical and current role philanthropy plays in American culture and society for the primary purpose of enhancing our understanding and inspiring our participation.

Description/Treatment

What Is Philanthropy? is a documentary, encompassing footage from all regions of the United States, that attempts to holistically portray and discuss philanthropy by incorporating multiple stakeholders that tell their stories from their personal perspectives.  The purpose of the film is to enhance our understanding of the concept of philanthropy and its role in American culture and society.  Within that overarching purpose are several potential results for viewers which may include one or more of the following:·         Broadening their perspective for giving beyond donating money·         Enabling them to have a better understanding for philanthropy’s capabilities and shortcomings for serving the gaps left by business and government·         Provoking them to thinking more strategically about their giving·         Inspiring them to engage in giving for the first time

 

Philanthropy has been a part of the culture of inhabitants of what is now the United States since the days of American Indians and European settlers, yet almost 400 years later it still remains a largely unknown and misunderstood concept.  The act of voluntarily giving for the common good, or for the “love of man” from its Greek origin philanthropia, has remained an important part of American culture and society as it has evolved over time.  Philanthropy can take the form of informal acts such as voluntarily babysitting for a neighbor or assisting the head coach of a little league baseball team.  It can also be more formal such as in venture philanthropy or institutional philanthropy through foundations.  The U.S. nonprofit sector now employs almost eleven percent of the American workforce, providing services in the areas of health, education, human services, arts, the environment and religion. It is important to remember that philanthropy is not just for the wealthy, as Martin Luther King stated “Everyone can be great because everyone can serve.”  Every day millions of people across this country donate their time, money or expertise to the causes they deem important and worthy of their resources.  And every day we’re somehow touched directly or indirectly by philanthropy whether it be getting medical care at a nonprofit hospital, attending higher education, enjoying a wildlife sanctuary, attending a play at  a local theater, having a meal in a soup kitchen, or  receiving a simple, kind act from a neighbor.  Philanthropy is more popular than ever and is discussed and portrayed in newspapers and magazines, on television, in the movies, and on the Internet.  Television shows such as Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Oprah Winfrey’s The Big Give have brought philanthropy to a national viewing audience.  Columns in newspapers are devoted specifically to reporting on philanthropic activity.  High profile philanthropists such as Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Ted Turner and others have made philanthropy their primary activity and they have challenged all of us to give, too. Yet with all this history, growth and attention, what do we really know about philanthropy?  What is it, how does it operate, who play roles in it, why do people give, why do we have it as part of American culture and society, and why is it important for us to understand the answers to these questions? What about philanthropy is working well and not working well?  This film will help answer these questions to enhance our understanding of philanthropy and its important role in our society.  While the players in American philanthropy have been diligent about communicating among themselves, the story of philanthropy has not been adequately told to the general public through the medium of film.  If we have a better understanding of philanthropy, we can better address society’s problems through citizen engagement.