PHILANTHROPY

1. PHILANTHROPY

2. Definition of Philanthropy • Literally “the love of people” • Must be considered ‘not for profit’ • Giving of: • Time • Talent • Treasure

3. Historic Philanthropic Events • 1862 • Foundation of the Red Cross • 1889 • “The Gospel of Wealth” by Andrew Carnegie encourages the wealthy to leave their money to the poor • 1891 • John D. Rockefeller hires a staff to manage his philanthropic enterprises • 1913 • The state of New York charters the Rockefeller Foundation • 1921 • Congress rules to grant tax breaks based on personal giving

4. Historical Example: Madame CJ Walker • Born in Delta, Louisiana • Daughter of former slaves • Orphaned at age 7 • Married three times • Famous for African American women’s hair products

5. A Selected List of Madame CJ Walker’s Philanthropic Activities • Donated to the National Association of Colored Women • Donated to homes for the aged and poor in St. Louis and Indianapolis, and the Indianapolis Young Men's Christian Association • Contributed to Palmer Memorial Institute, a private secondary school for African Americans in Sedalia, North Carolina • Made large donations to educational institutions, such as Mary McLeod Bethune's Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute for Negro Girls • Founded an academy for girls in West Africa

6. To Whom It May Concern, I was born a free woman and raised on the farms of Mississippi. Much of my childhood was spent picking cotton. At the age of seven I was orphaned. I moved to St. Louis at the age of 20 following the death of my first husband. There I worked as a laundress and was paid very little; only enough to survive. I became interested in hair tonics when I was attempting to find a treatment for a scalp ailment that left me bald for a period of time. Later, I moved to Denver and worked as a hair tonic salesperson. My boss was Annie Malone. Her success as a black entrepreneur inspired me to go into business. I opened the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company and sold hair care products and cosmetics. The company has been a huge success, and I soon became a wealthy woman. I set part of it aside for me and built a lovely house in Irvington on Hudson, New York. I thought that I should use the money from the company to expand the economic opportunities for fellow Americans, especially blacks like myself. I take great pride in profitable employment. My company has allowed unlimited opportunities for thousands of black women who work as cosmetic agents at the company. I would describe myself as “a woman who came from the cotton fields of the South. From there I was promoted to the washtub. From there I was promoted to the cook kitchen. And from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations....I have built my own factory on my own ground.” I would consider philanthropy a huge component in today’s society. People are in need of things to help them survive. I started with almost nothing and rose above poverty through my hard work. Now I want to help give other people, like myself, the opportunity to succeed. It takes a lending hand to get someone started and they too can rise to greatness. Sincerely, Madame CJ Walker

7. Famous Person: Oprah Winfrey • Born into a family of poverty in Kosciusko, Mississippi • Sexually abused by male family member around age nine • Teen pregnancy resulting in dead child • Attended Nicolet High School and Tennessee State University on scholarship • Two TV shows, magazine, and television channel

8. Oprah Winfrey’s Philanthropic Activities • Oprah’s Angel Network founded in 1998 • Has raised more than $51,000,000 • Listed by Business Week as one of the 50 most generous philanthropists • $10 million to dollars to Hurricane Katrina Relief • Established the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for girls in South Africa

9. Importance in Democracy • Tax Breaks • Individuals receive tax exemptions in return for donations • In order for society to function successfully every member must be concerned with the whole • Similar to concept of Communism