| In this generation, when business rules the day, | | | | bourgeois obligation. People like Andrew Carnegie, |
| it's refreshing to witness the (re)emergence of | | | | JP Morgan, and JD Rockefeller...they were serious |
| fundamental philanthropy. | | | | philanthropists. For most of society, the |
| What is fundamental philanthropy? | | | | assumption is that "if I'm not rich, I can't be a |
| Simply put, philanthropy is any altruistic activity | | | | philanthropist". Simply not so. Philanthropy does not |
| performed for the purpose of creating good or | | | | have anything to do with money. Not a single |
| improving the quality of life. Fundamental | | | | cent is required. You can put your checkbook |
| philanthropy is then described as 'basic' or 'natural' | | | | away forever and still be a well-seasoned |
| philanthropy. This type of philanthropy involves | | | | philanthropist. |
| using our own 'natural' resources, such as talents, | | | | A wise person once said, "All the money in the |
| knowledge and opportunities to perform an | | | | world doesn't help if there isn't anyone to do the |
| altruistic act. | | | | work. The most plentiful crops will rot if there is |
| Fundamental philanthropy or intentional acts of | | | | no one to harvest the fields". Those donations of |
| kindness has become one of today's hottest | | | | compassion and cooperation are just as important |
| topics. Voluntary association, voluntary giving, and | | | | as money because both parties are fundamental |
| voluntary actions - are gaining so much attention | | | | to getting the work done. |
| and awareness in our culture. National magazines | | | | Although, it's essential for each us to contribute, |
| and local newspapers have recently made | | | | when we can, funds to further the efforts and |
| celebrities out of ordinary citizens committed to | | | | operations of our preferred charities, it is not the |
| extraordinary acts of grace using nothing more | | | | only way to be charitable! It's high time for |
| than their innate abilities. | | | | society to get back to basics and start |
| Even Hollywood is in on the movement, with the | | | | discovering the greatest gifts we have to offer |
| biggest and brightest stars temporarily putting | | | | such as our;o Skills |
| away their wallets and tapping into the greatest | | | | Are you an experienced carpenter? Why not join |
| fundraising influence possible - their famous names | | | | a Habitat for Humanity project in your area?o |
| and faces - to shine light on important causes. | | | | Talents |
| Fundamental philanthropy, it seems has become | | | | Got a green-thumb? Try extending your love of |
| more mainstream in recent years than ever | | | | horticulture to your community with a 'Sew a |
| before. The goal in life seems to be changing. An | | | | Second Row' group!o Hobbies |
| elemental emphasis on "philanthropy" has recently | | | | Do you love to knit? Get your Friday night knitting |
| shifted to a popular focus of "social responsibility". | | | | club to start making warming crochet caps for |
| And the truth is, even though we may not be | | | | kids with cancer.o Knowledge |
| rich, famous celebrities, we all have something | | | | Knowledge is power. If you know of a way to |
| powerful that must be given to society! | | | | help others, offer that wisdom to individuals, |
| Why is fundamental philanthropy so important? | | | | groups, communities and nations.o Status |
| Brendan Behan once said, "I have a total | | | | If you're in a position of power or influence, use it! |
| irreverence for anything connected with society, | | | | Put your prominence to good by raising |
| except that which makes the road safer, the | | | | awareness to the pressing issues in our world. |
| beer stronger, the old men and women warmer | | | | The earth is ripe for change. Fundamental |
| in the winter, and happier in the summer." A jolly | | | | philanthropy is essential to positive change. |
| good declaration, and one that clearly depicts the | | | | Tapping into our innate gifts is a powerful way to |
| essence of that which makes charity a way of | | | | combine our "natural resources" with our desire to |
| life instead of a duty. | | | | increase the well-being of society. The great news |
| Philanthropy, by tradition, is rich, old people | | | | is we all have something to contribute! |
| donating loads of money to their pet causes. A | | | | |