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Philanthropi and Community Empowerment

Picture of Mary Thomforde

Mary Thomforde

How Philanthropi Empowers Underserved Communities

“Philanthropy is involved with basic innovations that transform society.” – David Rockefeller

Philanthropy is generally regarded as having a love for humankind. The word is combined from the Greek words “philos,” (loving) and “anthropos,” (humankind). Philanthropy’s purpose at its core is to improve the well-being of humankind by focusing on preventing and/or eliminating social problems. An example of an act of philanthropy is teaching a person how to fish versus fishing and giving a person some of the fish you caught as an act of charity. Teaching a person to fish helps to remove the social problem causing the person’s hunger, thereby creating a more full ecosystem.

Philanthropists are individuals who donate their time, their talent/skills, their social ties, or their treasure helping to create a better world. Regardless of status or net worth, anyone can be a philanthropist. 

Philanthropy tasks individuals with the challenge of doing something for the social good of all. This kind of community empowerment can be most felt in marginalized communities.


What are marginalized communities? 

The National Collaborating Centre for Determinants of Health sees marginalized communities experience discrimination and exclusion because of unequal power relationships across economic, political, social, and cultural dimensions.

The term “marginalized” was coined in the ‘70s to describe people who live on the fringe of mainstream America. Identifying those that have been systematically excluded from full participation in the American dream. Senior citizens, racial and cultural minorities, combat veterans, and the homeless are a few groups that are affected by marginalization, but many other communities fit that bill. 

Philanthropy creates a culture of community empowerment by being the vehicle that provides desired changes in different movements throughout history.


How to be an Ally to Marginalized Communities



Everyday philanthropists can impact communities by helping to create change. That sometimes starts with government policies and influencing institutions in society that are the gatekeepers of democracy. This looks like utilizing your resources to support social change and being a force for good. 

Nonprofits address the crucial issues affecting society today by creating an active pipeline for advocacy for groups who have historically lacked collective political, economic, and social power.  One way to engage and support nonprofits is by creating an Impact Account™. With an Impact Account, you can track your philanthropic growth as you witness how your talent, ties, time, and treasure affect the causes you care about. 

To sign up for the waitlist to make an Impact Account, click here.


About Philanthropi



Philanthropi is leading the next generation of philanthropy through its innovative donor-advised fund (DAF) giving platform. Democratizing giving for everyone and amplifying their impact is a core tenant. By partnering with financial institutions, employers, universities, and non-profit organizations, Philanthropi fosters new levels of community engagement. Empowering everyday donors to support their favorite non-profit organizations with the click of a button. They are tapping into the largest donor segment – the everyday philanthropist – unlocking the potential of the charitable ecosystem.



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