When I think of philanthropy, I think of people who give huge sums of money such as Andrew Carnegie or Bill and Melinda Gates. I never thought of myself as a philanthropist in its broadest sense until recently.
Although the definition of philanthropy generally connotes monetary donations, it encompasses much more. Philanthropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others through gifts or acts. Martin Luther King, Jr admonished, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'”
I grew up in a culture of philanthropy relative to good acts, although those words were never used as I recall. Small communities often have this ethic of care. Some people may not have a lot of money to donate, but most people donate their time. Time is money.
Volunteering, whether it is formally in a designated position or helping a neighbor next door, is a foundation of successful communities. Donations for direct services or to support staff who facilitate opportunities for giving is the basis of many nonprofit organizations.
In early November, sans the pandemic year, the Estes Park Nonprofit Resource Center (EPNRC) sets aside a day to honor philanthropy in our community. The EPNRC provides tools that support, connect, and inspire community nonprofits to create a “Culture of Philanthropy” in the Estes Valley.
The quixotic concern of people is either the lack of time or lack of money to enjoy aspects of life. I am privileged in my retirement to have both enough time and money. Therefore, I can volunteer my time for opportunities I support that influence the welfare of others including people and animals. In addition, I can allot moderate amounts of money to causes that are important. I am not a philanthropist at the level of multi-millionaires but as a citizen I am privileged to share with others.
My philanthropic priorities extend year around as a volunteer and as a donor. The end of the year, however, is a prime time for financial giving. Giving Tuesday is a national promotion to remind people about charitable giving as is Colorado Gives Day next week. My contributions of time and money, along with that of many other folks, indicates the greater intrinsic rewards of doing for others.