Myth #1 Philanthropy Is Only For The Rich

Part of

Myths of Philanthropy

a blog series

I was recently invited by LinkedIn to share my thoughts on myths in our industry. I am deeply passionate about grantmaking, which in my role means how an organization strategically uses philanthropy to make a difference or solve a significant problem. For example, in the case of the Sandler Center Foundation, we couple philanthropy with arts programming to create an approachable vehicle to address the significant decline in children’s literacy levels through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Philanthropy means something different to everyone. The commentary on LinkedIn was enriching, and I thought I would share some of what I wrote with our Sandler Center Foundation community. This will be a series of 5 blog posts outlining the MYTHS OF PHILANTHROPY and my correlated commentary.

Myth #1: Philanthropy is only for the rich

Although philanthropy is commonly associated with the rich (names like Scott, Rockefeller, or Buffet come to mind), one of the greatest acts of philanthropy I’ve seen in my career was made by a server at a diner and a group of young women - ages 16 and 17.

Early on in my career, I helped oversee a program where young women were challenged to improve the lives of other girls in their local community. Separate from the program, a few of these young women would meet at a diner after the program ended in the evening while they waited for their parents/guardians to pick them up. They would discuss what they had learned and how they felt they could make a difference in their community through small acts of philanthropy. It was a safe space for them, and they were unguarded in their conversations as they had a snack and some light refreshments.  

Fast forward several months, I walked into my office to find in my mailbox a brown enveloped filled with change and dollar bills. I don’t recall the exact amount anymore, but it was less than $30.

The money was a gift from the server at the diner where these young ladies congregated. She was inspired by the girls’ conversation and had decided to save her tips from each of their visits. She then gave the tip money back to the girls, along with a note asking the girls to distribute the money to help other girls in their community.

These 16 and 17-year-olds did not realize their love of helping others was inspiring someone else –their favorite waitress! Who then helped inspire the girls to continue being philanthropists.  

Philanthropy can be transformational. It can and should have ripple effects. More importantly, it can come from anyone, anywhere, and at any income level.

I’d love to hear any of your “great moments of philanthropy!” We will share these posts on our own social media pages and would love for you to join in.

Not on social media? Email me at lbaehre@sandlercenterfoundation.org. 

Lisa Baehre

Executive Director

Sandler Center Foundation