Philanthropy is the practice of using your money, time, or resources to help others and make the world better. The word comes from ancient Greek roots meaning “love of humanity.”

When wealthy individuals donate millions to build hospitals, libraries, or schools, that's philanthropy. Andrew Carnegie, one of America's richest men in the early 1900s, believed successful people had a duty to give back. He spent the second half of his life funding over 2,500 public libraries across America, making books and knowledge available to everyone.

But philanthropy happens at all levels of wealth. When your class raises money for an animal shelter, or when neighbors organize a food drive for families who need help, that's philanthropy too. A philanthropist is someone who practices philanthropy, whether they're donating thousands of dollars or volunteering every weekend at a community center.

Philanthropy differs from simple charity in its scale and intention. While charity often addresses immediate needs (like giving food to someone who's hungry today), philanthropy usually aims for bigger, lasting changes (like funding a program that teaches people to grow their own food). Both matter, but philanthropy often focuses on creating systems and institutions that keep helping long after the initial gift.