The Changing Face of Charity

How Businesses and Individuals are Redefining Philanthropy

AUTHOR STEVE BANNISTER

Article 3 in a Series of 6
In the January 2007 issue, Steve Bannister provided an overview of five key trends that will affect people and businesses in the year ahead. These trends were: Global Greening, The Flow of Philanthropy, Connecting the World, Information vs. Knowledge, and The Power of Design.

In this issue, Steve analyzes the altruistic activity of philanthropy and its effect in the workplace yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Philanthropy today has become quite fashionable among big businesses and wealthy individuals. It seems that everyone is anxious to give a helping hand and there appears to be no sign of this trend slowing down. So what is it that makes philanthropy so popular now compared to even 10 years ago? Needless to say, philanthropy is not a new concept; as long as there has been human suffering, there have always been people to help.