_{Photo from freepik}

With Susan Gitelson’s GIVING IS NOT JUST FOR THE VERY RICH, you too can learn more about philanthropy, but what does philanthropy actually mean?

The word conjures up something complex, but its core meaning is simple: it’s the love of humanity.

At its heart, it’s a deep concern for the well-being of others and a desire to make the world a better place for everyone living in it.

Many people think philanthropy is only for the very rich—the billionaires who donate vast sums of money to big projects. However, as Susan Gitelson argues in her book, GIVING IS NOT JUST FOR THE VERY RICH, this idea is wrong. Very wrong! Gitelson shows that anyone can be a philanthropist.

Giving doesn’t come from the size of your wallet, but from the intent of wanting to help others. It’s about finding a way to make your contribution count, no matter how small it may seem.

The Difference Between Charity and Philanthropy

To truly understand what philanthropy means, it helps to know the difference between philanthropy and charity. While both are about helping people, they do so in different ways.

Charity is typically a quick and immediate response to a problem. It’s like putting a bandage on a wound. For example, after a significant storm, a charity might collect food, clothes, and money to help people right away. This kind of giving is vital and comes from a place of great compassion; it provides instant relief to those in urgent need.

On the other hand, philanthropy is about looking deeper to find a long-term solution. It’s about actually honing in on the root cause of the problem so that it doesn’t happen again. This is a strategic investment in a better future, driven by a vision of lasting change. Gitelson’s book shows readers how to move from just giving to being a strategic giver.

_{Photo by jcomp}

Understanding the Impact of Giving

One of the most potent ideas in Gitelson’s book is that a donation isn’t the only way to help. She explains that true generosity includes three things: your time, your talent, and your treasure (your money).

Giving your time is a powerful way to help. You can volunteer to read to children at a local library, mentor a young person, or help an older neighbor with their groceries. These acts build stronger communities and offer a kind of support that money simply cannot buy.

Giving your talent means using your unique skills to help a cause you care about. If you’re a teacher, you could tutor students from a low-income area. If you’re a graphic designer, you could create a new logo for a local nonprofit. These are wise investments that help organizations grow and do more good for everyone.

Life is filled with stories of ordinary people who make a big difference by using their time and talent. It shows that anyone can be an agent of change, not just the wealthy.

Technology and Modern Giving

Technology has completely changed how we practice social responsibility and giving to others. Our phones and, to a greater extent, the internet have made it easier than ever to connect with causes around the world. Crowdfunding websites, for example, allow thousands of people to give small donations to a project or to help a neighbor who has fallen on hard times. This makes altruism simple and accessible to everyone.

Corporate Responsibility and Giving

Today, philanthropy shouldn’t just be for individuals. It shouldn’t just be for little people, of course. Businesses are now also expected to give back. No man is an island, and that counts for businesses too. This is called corporate social responsibility, or CSR. Companies might donate a part of their profits to a cause they believe in, or they might create programs that help their employees volunteer in the community.

Some businesses have even made generosity a core part of their business model. For example, a company might promise to give a pair of glasses to a person in need for every pair they sell. This shows that giving back can be built into how a company operates, making it a regular and expected part of its business.

Giving Wisely and Effectively

Gitelson’s book also teaches us to give wisely. With so many groups asking for money, it’s essential to know that your donations will make a real difference. She provides simple steps to check on a charity before you give.

She suggests using watchdog websites to find notable and legitimate causes. These sites act like a guide, showing you how a group uses its money, how much it spends on its mission versus its costs, and how transparent it is. By doing a little research, you can be sure that your gift goes to a good cause. This focus on being an informed giver is a key message of the book.

_{Photo from freepik}

What Does Philanthropy Really Mean

In the end, generosity not only helps others. It also helps you. Giving is deeply connected to our nature as humans—it’s a way for us to feel a part of something bigger. The act of giving can provide us with a sense of purpose and make us feel happy. Research shows that helping others can lower our stress and give us a feeling of joy, often called the “helper’s high.”

GIVING IS NOT JUST FOR THE VERY RICH shares stories about how people from all backgrounds are able to find personal joy in their personal philanthropic efforts. It highlights the good feeling you get from supporting a cause you care about and the satisfaction of knowing you have made a positive impact on the world. This shows that giving is a two-way street that benefits both the giver and the recipient.

Susan Gitelson’s GIVING IS NOT JUST FOR THE VERY RICH is an excellent read for anyone who wants to help but feels they have little to offer. The book shows that philanthropy is simple: it’s simply an act of giving that anyone can do.

Gitelson’s practical advice and her inspiring stories of everyday generosity empower us to be more thoughtful and impactful in our efforts.