Philanthropy and Charity
Personal FinanceWith Mr. Tumino
Charitable GivingThrough History
In this lesson we will be exploring how charities have supported people
through difficult times.
The word Charity comes from the Latin word Caritas meaning ‘loving kindness through giving’.
In Ancient Greece beggars were accepted as an inevitable nuisance. As part of their dress they wore ‘scrips’ (wallets) in which they carried away the food they received.
Because of its shape, this Ancient Greek drinking vessel could not be set down until it had been drained of its contents.
Charities in The U.S.
• 1736 Benjamin Franklin founded the first volunteer firehouse.
• Most early volunteers found their assignments through their church or another private sector.
YMCA
• Founded 1844 • George Williams
American Red Cross
• Founded May 21, 1881 • Clara Burton
The United Way
• Founded 1887– Rev. Myron W. Reed, – Msgr. William J.O’Ryan– Dean H. Martyn Hart– Rabbi William S. Friedman
20th Century
• Volunteers begin to find assignments through organizations.
Rotary Club
Established 1910
Lion’s Club
Established 1917
Where Charities Have Focused
• 20th Century– 1930s – Environmentalism– 1960s – Poverty, Inequality, Violence
• 21st Century– Green Living– Animal welfare – Natural Disaster Relief
At the end of 2010 there were 1,014,816 charities registered in
the United States.
Millions of dollars are raised each year.
The money is raised through:
oFundraisingoDonations
• Some charities also receive grants from the government.
TV reports and events like ‘Live Aid’ have made people aware of international causes, which together receive more money than any other category of charity.
Good Deeds Give You Super Powers
Harvard Study
Study claims people feel stronger and have greater willpower after donating something
How you behave affects how you see yourself, which then influences your subsequent behavior.