What is a philanthropist? Definition, examples and causes

A philanthropist is anyone who dedicates their time, money, or skills to help others and drive positive change. The definition of philanthropy has broadened over time, and today it covers far more than wealthy donors funding institutions. Anyone who gives with purpose and care qualifies.

It has its roots in altruism, as philanthropic giving is typically defined as selfless generosity. In fact, the word “philanthropy” comes from ancient Greek and means “love of humanity”. 

That leads us to the next question: what is a philanthropist?  Philanthropists have historically been wealthy individuals who fund public services and institutions such as schools, libraries, and hospitals. Today, however, the definition has expanded to include any person who contributes meaningfully to causes that promote the common good. 

At its heart, philanthropy is about impact. Whether you’re donating $10 or $10,000, giving up your time to volunteer, or championing causes online, every action contributes to a ripple effect of help, hope, and change. 

What it means to be a philanthropist

A philanthropist is someone who intentionally dedicates resources to support the well-being of others. While generosity is a key trait, being a philanthropist goes beyond making one-off donations. We like to think about it in terms of the four Ts: 

• Time: Philanthropic giving can come in the form of showing up – volunteering or serving on a board, for example.
• Talent: Share your skills free of charge – managing social media accounts or creating newsletters are great ways to do this.
• Treasure: Donate money or non-cash items like stocks or cryptocurrency.
• Ties: Use your network by bringing a friend along to volunteer with you.

Causes and motivations for philanthropic giving may vary, but there are plenty of ways to give. And thanks to new tools like GoFundMe Giving Funds, it’s easier than ever for everyday individuals to organize their charitable efforts and become philanthropists themselves. 

Types of philanthropists

The main types of philanthropy reflect a wide range of approaches, from individual giving to large institutional programs. Here are some philanthropist examples showing how we can each contribute, depending on our circumstances, values, and life experiences: 

Individual philanthropy

Many individuals set aside part of their income for giving. Some leave legacies through wills or set up charitable trusts. 

As an extension of individual philanthropy, families also often give together, guided by shared values. Giving as a family builds lasting habits across generations and teaches children the value of helping others. 

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a great tool for this, letting you set aside money for future giving. With a DAF like GoFundMe Giving Funds, anyone can now centralize, track, and invest their charitable dollars for greater impact, either individually or together as a family. 

Find out more about individual giving in our useful guide to deciding how much to give to charity.  

Ready to go further? Our guide on how to become a philanthropist covers practical steps anyone can take to build a meaningful giving practice. 

Corporate philanthropy

Both large and small companies can also take part in philanthropic giving. Today, many businesses see social responsibility as a core part of their mission. To achieve this, they may sponsor events, support local causes, or match employee donations. No matter how big or small, corporate philanthropy plays a significant role in community development. 

Social impact investing

Investments can also be a form of philanthropic giving. Social impact investing is a strategy that allows people to support funds, organizations, and companies working to drive positive social change while potentially generating a financial profit for the investor. 

Community-based philanthropy

Perhaps one of the oldest forms of philanthropy, community-based philanthropy involves local groups pooling their resources for a common goal. In this way, locals take the development of their communities into their own hands when traditional funding falls short. Whether it’s a giving circle, community fund, or mutual aid effort, it’s all directly invested in local development and can be one of the best ways to see immediate results. 

Why practice philanthropy?

We can all work to make the world a better place by donating a bit of our time and resources. Whether it’s small or big, philanthropic giving can: 

• Tackle social issues: Philanthropy addresses root causes, not symptoms. Funding research, building infrastructure, and reforming systems driving inequality are all forms of giving beyond short-term relief. 
• Help those in need: Philanthropic giving creates a direct bridge between people with resources and those facing hardship, reaching places where government programs and market solutions often fall short. 
• Inspire others to give: Each act of giving, whether $5 or $5 million, encourages others and builds on itself over time. Across the GoFundMe community, small donations add up to outcomes no single supporter could achieve alone. 

Popular philanthropic causes

There are numerous causes today that need our attention, each of them equally important. All you have to do is choose the one you’re most passionate about. Here are some key examples: 

• Access to healthcare and medical research: Philanthropic funding fills critical gaps in global health research, driving progress in areas like vaccines, rare disease treatment, and mental health care that often receive limited public or commercial investment. 
• Education and literacy: Educational philanthropy supports everything from early childhood programs to university scholarships. Giving USA reports that giving to education reached record highs in 2023, ranking it among the US’s largest charitable giving categories.
• Environmental efforts and climate change: Climate-focused philanthropy has grown substantially in recent years. The ClimateWorks Foundation found climate funding grew 20% in 2023, directing up to $15.8 billion toward renewable energy, conservation, and community resilience.
• Arts and culture: Cultural philanthropy preserves heritage, sustains creative communities, and makes the arts accessible to people who otherwise lack affordable access to them. 

How to practice philanthropy: Meaningful ways to give

No matter your schedule or your level of wealth, there are plenty of ways to become a philanthropist. Here are some ideas for how you can contribute financially or non-financially: 

• Cash or asset donations
• Set up a foundation or trust
• Fund large-scale initiatives
• Create legacy gifts
• Join initiatives like The Giving Pledge, where billionaires commit to giving away most of their wealth 
• Create a donor-advised fund (DAF) – head to our blog to find out more about setting up a donor-advised fund
• Volunteer your time

The impact of philanthropy in the modern world

Today, philanthropic causes are broad, and the modern philanthropic landscape is constantly changing. Thanks to the widespread availability of technology, the impact of modern philanthropy can reach even further, better serving individuals, communities, and society at large. 

Strategic philanthropy

This more modern type of philanthropy is mutually beneficial – it affects positive social change while also fulfilling a company’s business objectives or even generating a profit. It can also be seen on an individual level through social impact investments, which generate financial profit for the investor.

Data-driven philanthropy

Thanks to today’s technology, research data is more accessible than ever. Philanthropists can then use this data to donate time and resources in a way that’s projected to have the greatest impact.

Collaborative philanthropy

This type of modern philanthropy allows individuals, organizations, or companies to collaborate on solutions and giving approaches that have a wider reach than they would if they were just working alone. This is a great way to share expertise and increase the impact of donations.

Systemic philanthropy

This can mean funding reforms to how institutions work, or providing grants aimed at lasting change. When core systems improve, communities benefit, and that progress spreads further over time.

Philanthropic giving with GoFundMe

GoFundMe Giving Funds gives you a practical way to organize your charitable giving, whether you’re just starting out or looking to give with more intention. You can set aside funds, let them grow, and donate to verified 501(c)(3) organizations when you’re ready.

Contributing to a Giving Fund also counts as a tax-deductible donation for eligible US donors at the time you contribute, so your giving works harder from day one. And because it works as a donor-advised fund, you stay in control of where your money goes and when.

Philanthropy is for everyone

Being a philanthropist isn’t about how much you give. It’s about giving with purpose and genuine care.

Whether you’re reacting to a crisis, investing in long-term social change, or looking for a better way to organize your charitable life, GoFundMe Giving Funds provides an easy, powerful, and trusted way to make your generosity go further. You don’t need a financial advisor or a foundation team – you just need the desire to help, and a tool that makes it possible.

With Giving Funds, you can:

• Start your journey to becoming a philanthropist today
• Support verified charitable organizations
• Discover timely, high-impact causes
• Set aside and grow charitable dollars, with contributions tax-deductible for eligible US donors
• Share giving moments with your friends, family, and community