Philanthropath?

It is increasingly recognised that social enterprises contribute a significant role to the welfare of the country. Addressing problems that are ground up there are unique characteristics that set social enterprises in a league of their own. Last year a baseline data survey in Ireland gave a glimpse into this impact. 800 SEs responded. 2.5BN generated for the economy. Large numbers employed etc.. This data only scratches the surface of the impact. But it’s a start! I was interested to note the contribution of philanthropy in this sphere based on this data (3%). In the world of social enterprise, non-profits and charity there is generally a haphazard distribution of philanthropic funds and a challenge to source and match philanthropists with aligned enterprises. There is enormous potential to harness the power of contribution where everyone benefits. Not all philanthropy though is altruistic and quite frankly the law of unintended consequences always applies…
 
What about the new word Philanthropath?
 
“A wealthy person who supposedly makes a philanthropic donation, but does so knowing full well they are actually making an investment into yet another agenda of theirs.” Philanthropy can be a greenwashing exercise.  I admit to being skeptical especially when powerful people exercise their wealth to nefarious ends enabled by those seduced by the trappings associated.
 
Concentrating power in the hands of a few does not sit well with us co-op minded folk. We ask is there a better way? What if we had a concept of “philanthropy of the crowds”? Giving is good for you so the evidence says. What if more people can benefit on both sides of the system? Many small pooled contributions can make a large impact… it is through this thinking that we strive to move forward with The Urban Co-operative. We all have the power to make changes happen. This is not the benevolence mindset, it is mutually beneficial, it is co-operating. On equal terms. How good would this be for our health & wellbeing!

Anne Maher