The history of
modern charity
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The concept of well-to-do people helping the less fortunate is nothing new. In
fact, charity has been a part of human cultures for thousands of years.
Charity is a humanitarian act to give to those in need. The word “charity” is de-
rived from the Latin “caritas,” which means “preciousness, dearness and high
price.” Charity is also tied to philanthropy, a word from the Greek “philanthro-
pia,” meaning “love of mankind.” Charitable philanthropy has evolved to refer
to the various forms of kindness directed toward others.
It is believed that charitable giving in some form has been around since 2500
BCE, when ancient Hebrews instituted a tax intended to help the poor. Philan-
thropy became a pillar upon which many religious organizations were built.
Many charities were formed to provide basic necessities to others.
Charitable giving has been documented in nearly all cultures in some shape or
form. According to the National Philanthropic Trust, classical Chinese phi-
losophy exalted the virtue of benevolence. Ancient Greeks considered giving
fundamental to democracy. Philanthropy was thought to promote balance and
harmony among Native Americans.
Moses Maimonides, a 12th century rabbi and philosopher, helped shape mod-
ern philanthropy by establishing the Golden Ladder of Charity in the Mishneh
Torah. Maimonides’ eight levels of charitable giving ascend accordingly in
value. They rank from giving grudgingly as the very least form of charity to
helping to sustain a person before he or she becomes impoverished as the great-
est. Maimonides’ teachings helped shape future notions of giving.
Philanthropy has changed throughout history. Plato established a group work-
ing for the public good. Roman Emperor Augustus gave public aid to 200,000
people. In 1643, the first American fundraising drive was organized by Harvard
University. Today, the value of donations to charity comprise roughly 2 percent
of the total national gross domestic product in the United States. The chari-
table giving resource Winspire says more than 95 percent of households in the
United States donate to charity.
Charitable giving continues to grow, with new philanthropic groups being es-
tablished every year. Giving has become a major component of modern culture
and an important part of shaping individuals, families and communities.
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2017 Year End Giving • 7