Philanthropy is more than just charity. It is not directly related to religious precepts, but is a secular idea drawn from humanitarianism. The Greek word philánthrōpos means someone who loves humanity, and philanthrōpia means kindness and charity. Such social action aims to improve the lives of those in need. Is every donor a philanthropist? What kind of support does philanthropy encompass?
Philanthropy is support in the form of financial, in-kind, non-material assistance (e.g. volunteering), as well as the provision of services and sharing of know-how by companies. Philanthropists can be both individuals and companies. The basis of this social initiative is altruistic assistance.
Who does a philanthropist support?
Philanthropy is a social activity that focuses on helping people in need and non-profit organizations, as well as activities that support the advancement of culture and science. A philanthropist can be called not only a person who provides financial support, but also one who donates his time or shares his skills with others. 
This term is associated with wealthy people, although wrongly. Anyone can help regardless of financial ability. The term philanthropy usually refers to long-term activities and support given systematically. Many people do it more spontaneously than regularly, but even one-time help makes a big difference.
Strategic philanthropy – definition and benefits
Strategic philanthropy is a planned business activity aimed at supporting those in need, but also indirectly nurturing the formation of a positive bond with the consumer, which will translate into increased profits for the company in the future. Regular financial support of foundations and nonprofit organizations is, above all, an important initiative affecting the lives of many people in need. Additional benefits for a company involved in helping include:
- building brand trust,
- shaping a positive corporate image,
- acquiring new customers and markets.
Strategic philanthropy majors are available at colleges and universities in the United States. Wise charitable planning helps to tailor forms of aid well, resulting in the best outcomes for companies working with nonprofit organizations.
How does strategic philanthropy increase company profits?
As an example illustrating the positive impact of strategic philanthropy, one can take a drugstore chain that informs consumers that points earned by customers by shopping in their stores will be donated in cash equivalent to charitable causes.
This company thus supports foundations that help, among others: single mothers, women experiencing domestic violence, teenage mothers, mothers raising disabled children and adult girls leaving orphanages. There is a good chance that a person planning to shop at a drugstore will go to the very one through which she can indirectly help someone. The problems encountered by the charges of the aforementioned foundations often evoke feelings of empathy in women, since many of them know people with similar life difficulties or even they themselves are struggling with analogous experiences.
Discounts for blood donors, or from philanthropist to philanthropist
On the websites of the Regional Centers for Blood Donation and Hemotherapy, you can find information about local entrepreneurs who have joined the Giving to Givers campaign. Philanthropy is not only financial support, but also other charitable initiatives and activities such as blood donation.
Many companies offer discounts of up to 50 percent for active blood donors. On the action’s website you can find a list of entrepreneurs from many cities in Poland offering cheaper services and discounts on purchases to blood donors.