By Phin Upham
When you really consider the basis for forming a civilization, philanthropy could be considered central to those aims. Colonial society, for instance, was built largely through the hard work of volunteers working together for the common good.
Americans are largely perceived as good natured, honest people. Though it’s hard for us to recognize sometimes within our own society, we are surprisingly open about how we feel and we are very emotional people too. Those two qualities have been basic to American life since the beginning, especially when one considers the notions of patriotism.
These voluntary associations were the first forms of philanthropy in the US, but definitely not the last. Benjamin Franklin was another example of early American philanthropy. He was well-known for public service, even called “Prometheus” by Immanuel Kant for stealing electricity from the heavens to bring to the common man. His work for the betterment of life led to multiple honorary degrees, earning him the title of “Doctor” despite his lack of education.
Philanthropy kept America in fighting shape during the revolutionary war, when men and women fought to protect their lands from the British. So called “Minutemen” were volunteer farmers ready to give their lives in defense of their neighbors.
Today, philanthropy is often obscured by the numbers. It sometimes feels like we cannot truly see the change we enact in the donations we give or the work that we do for others. Money is one of the primary factors in philanthropy today, and you find fewer public figures so dedicated to public service. Of course, we’ve seen with organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that true change is possible if there are enough funds to keep efforts going strong.
Phin Upham is an investor from NYC and SF. You may contact Phin on his Phin Upham website or LinkedIn page.