Philanthropy can be broadly defined as the love for humankind.
Philanthropy vs Charity
Philanthropy
Philanthropy can be defined as “goodwill to fellow members of the human race, especially: active effort to promote human welfare”. (Merriam Webster Dictionary) Most people see philanthropy as work done by foundations that provide money. However, it’s much more than that. Philanthropy is work dedicated to the elevation of all human life and eliminating the systems and issues that perpetuate the harm to those lives. For example, instead giving someone food due to rid their starvation, you may provide them with clean soil and teach them to grow their own food.
Charity
Charity can be defined as “generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering”. (Merriam Webster Dictionary) It’s typically shown through the providing of necessities to people that lack those necessities. For example: donating to food banks, community service picking up trash, or donating clothing to the goodwill. While, these can be typified as empathetic acts of kindness, charity is often short term and a band-aid to the root social issues people are facing.
“Charity focuses on eliminating the suffering caused by social problems, while philanthropy focuses on eliminating social problems.” (Learning To Give)
Youth Philanthropy - Innovative Giving
Youth philanthropy is an emerging movement that is equipping youth to be the change makers in our global society. It’s a movement that invites youth into spaces where their voices typically go unheard. It’s a movement that acknowledges youth as experts in the issues impacting their lives. It’s a movement that is equipping an upcoming generation with the skill-sets to engage issues with empathy and shape the world in a way that is equitable for all humankind.
BLING’s Philanthropy
1. Grant Giving
BLING’s primary practice in philanthropy is rooted in grant giving. We provide grants to youth led projects that are working toward creating lasting change in the San Francisco community.
2. Community Service
BLING practices holistic philanthropy by having youth philanthropists engage in sustainable community service projects/activities.