There is no one, right way to make money and do good. After all, as Dev Aujla argues in our interview with him, the definition of good is highly specific to each of us. That being said, there are always ways that we can give back to our community – there are always ways we can work to be good stewards and help balance the needs of people and nature.
As we covered in this chapter’s story, there are four major ways we can work to enhance the world around us: citizenship (being an engaged and thoughtful member of society, as both a consumer and a voter), career (leveraging work to help society, most especially through platforms like social enterprise), volunteerism (donating time to support the causes we care about) and philanthropy (donating money or in-kind gifts to the causes we care about).
Task
- Divide the class into four quarters, with each group tasked with researching one of the four main ways we can contribute to the betterment of our society. What are the pros and cons of each option?
- Present your findings to the class, allowing time for other group members to ask questions.
- As a class, discuss the four options. Is one option more impactful than another? Which option(s) speak(s) to you? How will you give back to your community?
Giving Back
What is Philanthropy?
Philanthropy refers to the act of giving one’s money, time, resources, property or talents to help a person, cause or organization, most usually through donations to charitable or non-profit organizations.
Philanthropy can be practiced by individuals, families, businesses or organizations, and can support a wide range of causes, such as education, healthcare, the arts, the environment and social justice. The goal of philanthropy is to make a positive impact on society by addressing problems or enhancing solutions.
How to Become a Philanthropist
- Identify your passion: Think about the causes or issues that you feel passionate about and align with your values. Consider what you want to achieve with your philanthropy, and what kind of impact you want to make.
- Educate yourself: Research the organizations and causes you are interested in supporting, and learn as much as you can about the work they do, the challenges they face and the impact they are making.
- Determine your giving strategy: Decide how you want to give back. You can donate money, volunteer your time, share your expertise, or donate goods or services. You may also want to consider creating a personal philanthropic plan that outlines your goals, strategies and desired outcomes.
- Find the right partners: Identify the organizations or individuals that align with your values and have a track record of success in achieving their goals. Consider partnering with other philanthropists or like-minded individuals to maximize your impact.
- Start giving: Begin by making a meaningful donation or volunteering your time to a cause you care about. As you gain experience and see the impact of your giving, you can refine your strategy and increase your support.
Remember that philanthropy is a personal journey and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Start small, stay committed and be open to learning and evolving your approach over time.
Notable Philanthropists
View a list of famous philanthropists and begin to list what qualities they have in common.
25 Top Philanthropists in America
Philanthropy Opportunities Near You
Do some research and find philanthropists or businesses that give back to your community. Do they share the same qualities?
Search charities and non-profits in your community and learn more about those tackling an issue that speaks to your values.
Do you see yourself contributing to this non-profit or charity in some way? What goal do you want to see achieved and how might you help them achieve it? And remember, philanthropy is not always about giving money, it can also be about giving your time to help with their mission. What are you good at? Can your skills benefit this non-profit?
Reflect
How can you have a positive impact on people and nature through your career?
How do you merge doing good with your career goals? How do you keep your personal values in the workplace?
What is a professional network? Why is it important to establish a network? How can a network help you give back and have impact?
How can you ensure an employer values your, um, values? Why is that important?
Is it better to make lots money to scale your philanthropic goals, or to make less money and pursue a career that allows you to impact the issues you care about?
- Listen to our Podcast with philanthropic advisor Gena Rotstein and social innovator Zeel Patel for more ideas on how to live a life of meaning.
Social Enterprise Activity
Complete the following activity from Dev Aujla‘s book How to Make Money and Do Good:
Resources
Making Good: Finding Meaning, Money, and Community in a Changing World (book)