Philanthropy Must Be Blind and Pure By Embracing the True Meaning of “Love of Mankind”
Philanthropy, at its core, derives from the Greek roots philos (love) and anthropos (mankind), meaning "love of mankind." This definition should guide every charitable effort, yet too often, the delivery of philanthropy is clouded by judgment, bias, and assumptions about those in need. Instead of serving with compassion, some charities unintentionally make beneficiaries feel scrutinized, reinforcing societal divides rather than bridging them.
Bobbi Dempsey, in her recent essay for The Chronicle of Philanthropy, I Grew Up Poor and Learned Early: Charities Aren’t Always So Charitable, shares a deeply personal account of growing up poor and experiencing firsthand the judgment embedded in charitable services. Rather than feeling supported, she recalls feeling watched—her family’s circumstances questioned, their worthiness seemingly up for debate. Unfortunately, this experience is not unique. Many individuals in need avoid seeking help because of the stigma attached to receiving charity. This contradicts the very essence of philanthropy.
True philanthropy must be blind—free of judgment, preconceptions, and qualifiers that undermine its purpose. The act of giving should not be transactional, conditional, or laced with moral superiority. It should not require beneficiaries to prove their worth or perform gratitude in a way that satisfies donors or organizations. Instead, it must operate on the fundamental belief that all people deserve dignity and support, no matter their circumstances.
Equally important, philanthropy must be pure—rooted in an authentic, untainted love for humanity. Giving should be done with a spirit of generosity and trust, not as a means of control or a way to reinforce power dynamics. This requires a shift in mindset from charity as a system of rescue to one of partnership. Nonprofits and donors must engage with communities as equals, listening rather than assuming, learning rather than prescribing.
Organizations that wish to embody the true meaning of philanthropy must reevaluate how they interact with the people they serve. They must remove unnecessary barriers to assistance, eliminate paternalistic attitudes, and train staff to approach beneficiaries with respect rather than skepticism. The goal should be empowerment, not gatekeeping.
Philanthropy, through nonprofits, are not government programs. They are, most of time, not based on tax dollars. Government programs do and should have appropriate boundaries for recipients (although there is much there that can be debated). But philanthropy is not a government program. And thus, it should be different.
At a time when economic hardship is growing, philanthropy has an opportunity to rise to its highest calling. But it can only do so if it embraces its original meaning: a love of humanity that is unconditional, unbiased, and unwavering. To be truly philanthropic, we must see people not as problems to be solved, but as individuals deserving of dignity, care, and compassion—no questions asked.
