Map of Giving Practices

Western institutional philanthropy can seem like the most normal and natural way of giving when it is the pattern of giving most visible to us. Not just a set of practices, the narratives of Western philanthropy entrench specific ideas about why people give; for example, legacy gifts. Nonetheless, very different practices, with distinct underlying concepts, characterize giving in other times and places. As you read about each, ask:

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  What human needs do these other approaches fulfill?
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  Which core values do they exemplify or satisfy?
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  Where are they compatible or in tension with approaches to philanthropy that are common in contemporary Western foundations?

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See where in the world these concepts and practices originate.

Love of humankind, especially as expressed through deeds of practical beneficence and work for the good of others c. 1600. From Late Latin philanthropia:2

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  From Greek philanthrōpia “kindliness, humanity, benevolence, love to mankind” (from gods, men, or things)
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  From philanthrōpos (adj.) “loving mankind, useful to man”
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  From phil- “loving” (see philo-) + anthrōpos “mankind” (see anthropo-)

Ubuntu informs an ideal of shared human subjectivity that promotes a community’s good through an unconditional recognition and appreciation of each human with their different capacities. It is through their mutual support that they can help each other to fully realize their human potential.3

Tzedakah derives from the Hebrew word tzedek meaning ‘justice.’ Performing deeds of justice is perhaps the most important obligation Judaism imposes on the Jew. Throughout history, whenever Jewish communities were self-governing, Jews were assessed tzedakah just as everyone today is assessed taxes. Failure to give tzedakah was understood as not only unjust and mean-spirited, but also illegal.4

Islamic term for an act of “giving something...without seeking a substitute in return and with the intention of pleasing Allah.” From the Arabic root word ‘sidq’ which means sincerity. It is voluntary, unlike Zakat, which is a compulsory minimum. Acts of Sadaqah include a good word, administering justice between others, and every step taken towards prayer.5

The Mandarin word Gōngyì refers to donations made for the sake of the public welfare. The Chinese law regulating such acts is Gōngyì shìyè juānzèng fǎ, where shìyè refers to an undertaking, project, or activity; a charitable cause; publicly funded institution, enterprise or foundation. The Chinese law allows for tax benefits to those who donate.6

Zaagidiwin, the Anishinaabemowin word for love, is one of the Seven Sacred Grandfather Teachings. It is described as reciprocal and unconditional. The teachings are traditional knowledge that collectively represent what is needed for community survival and to guide our actions for living well. The other six teachings include respect, truth, bravery, wisdom, generosity, and humility.7

“Dibaa is the word for measure. Konige is this kind of action of ...responsibility. So ...justice as a measure of activity ...Another way of thinking about justice is in the stories we tell in the ...seven grandmother and grandfather teaching...And then justice is something that you see in the natural world surrounding us...”8

The common bowl philosophy refers to the understanding that everyone relies on the same resources and community, and all must contribute. This worldview is echoed in the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe and Wendat traditions.9

Circa 1840, the Frenchman Alexis de Tocqueville observes “American moralists do not hold that a man should sacrifice himself for his fellow man because it is a great thing to do; they boldly assert rather, that such sacrifices are as necessary to the man who makes them as to the man who profits from them.” The classic example of mutual aid is barn-raising.10

The gift economy is a product of a world view in which it is “the art of giving and receiving and the relationships created by these acts that matters.” In a gift economy, giving is reciprocal rather than one-way, and “is not simply an act of charity. It is a system of mutual trust, obligation and solidarity.” Gifts are given without any explicit expectation that the favour will be returned; however, the act creates or deepens a relationship. The connection creates an obligation between the parties. Northwest Coast Indigenous nations’ potlatch ritual is an example of a gift economy practice, in which prominent families host others over a period of time, feeding them, and offering gifts. The giving of gifts strengthens group relations and brings honour to the host.11

Among other nations of the Northwest Coast of Turtle Island, the Stó:lō economy is one based in gift exchange. However, scholars argue that the expectations for how gifts to strangers will be reciprocated are actually made quite explicit, as the hope is to start a relationship of trade.

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  Giving can create different relationships

  Depending on how a society understands the reasons and significance of acts of giving, the relationship and power dynamic between giver and receiver is altered.
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  Different norms

  In some societies, giving has primarily taken place between peers and is characterized by reciprocity, to strengthen relationships. In others, giving is primarily recognized when it is between comparatively rich and poor, and the motivation is charitable.
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  Within or outside of Economic Systems

  A major difference between distinct gifting customs is whether it is core to the economic system or takes place outside of it, while business practices continue to embrace distinct and sometimes incompatible values.

Experiences & Observations

Where do you see, or where have you been exposed to, activity that more closely aligns with a different tradition of philanthropy or value set around the voluntary redistribution of resources? Does this activity have any relationship to the mission of a foundation to which you are close?

Reactions & Impressions

What are some of your assumptions, fears, or concerns about how philanthropic stakeholder groups might react to different ideas and value sets around philanthropy?

Questions & Hunches to test

Which ideas would you like to explore further and understand in relation to modern philanthropy and the context in which you work?