Local Philanthropy
Philanthropy does not necessarily mean donating thousands of dollars. It does not require one to make as huge an impact on society as Carnegie or Gates. Any act that can create a positive effect on even just one person, can be called philanthropy. Even in small means, one can do so much.Take for example the concept of ripples in the pond. A large rock can create a splash, much like a publicized fundraising getting a lot of media hype. Most people cannot create a splash, figuratively speaking. But they can create ripples in the pond. A person can be a pebble that makes ripples. More pebbles means more ripples in the pond. It is no splash, but the ripples can touch lives in a subtle sense.Be a pebble and make ripples. But before one can head out to the pond, one must know in what way he can help best. Volunteering for a cause in your locality is a good start. Contact philanthropic organizations and asking how you can help. Your time and energy for a good cause will surely benefit someone else’s life.Find out what initiative or advocacy you’d like to support – education, housing, children, domestic violence, arts, among so many other causes. You can also give goods; donations need not be big, and it does not even have to be cash. Food, items of clothing, and medicine can help. Volunteering, on the other hand, requires the person’s time and effort to do some research, fieldwork, and relief operations.In any way, one can create ripples in the pond.
Learn more about the philanthropic organizations on the Institutions of Philanthropy site.
Ken Mehlman of KKR recently announced the Green Portfolio initiative.
Ken Mehlman is profiled on the Jewish Virtual Library
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