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As millionaires continue their rise in a world of uncontrolled inequality, much attention is being paid to private philanthropy and its impact on developing countries.
The responsibility on private philanthropy for development is even greater in the context of developing countries where they do not have such huge government sources of funds.
Global dimension
Philanthropy is not only an upper class phenomenon and clearly the middle class can make a difference. This is true of countries such as Africa; charities such as Oxfam receive donations from private sectors and individual donors just as philanthropists work with large organisations or set up their own foundations.
For example, TNT Express works with the World Food Programme (WFP). "TNT is intensely aware of the pressing challenges that face the world and is convinced, for the sake of its people, customers, shareholders and other stakeholders, that its contribution to society and the planet must go beyond the current norms of corporate responsibility," said Irene Hanusch, Communications Manager of TNT's Moving the World initiative.
Large independent organisations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Templeton Foundation, the Buffett Foundation and the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation are raising the bar in making people aware of problems around the globe and within local communities.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is a family orientated charity, with Co-chairs William H. Gates Sr., Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates. Microsoft Corporation Chairman Bill Gates aims to improve lives and reduce inequality. The foundation supports grantees in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Internationally, it supports work in more than 100 countries.
The foundation focuses on improving health, reducing extreme poverty and increasing access to technology in public libraries within developing countries. In the US the foundation strives for all people to have access to a great education and technology in public libraries, and within the local community the goal is to improve the lives of low-income families. The foundation has given $13.6 billion (about Dh50 billion) since its inception in 2000.
World Food Programme
"In the three-year period 2003-2006, TNT has invested 25 million euros (about Dh123.9 million) in the form of knowledge transfer and projects to help make WFP more efficient and effective, hands-on support in emergencies, and awareness and fundraising initiatives. TNT employees have raised a further seven million euros (about Dh34.7 million) for WFP School Feeding Projects," says Hanusch.
Sir John Templeton — renowned investor and philanthropist — opened the Templeton Foundation in 1987, with its motto: 'how little we know, how eager to learn'. In agreement with the key founding principle, the foundation has pledged to focus on rigorous scientific research. One of the main activities of the Templeton Foundation is grant-making. According to the foundation, it gives away about $60 million (about Dh220.68 million) a year in research grants and programmes. The foundation funds high-level scientific research projects, usually by means of international competition. Research teams from large universities apply. Grants are assessed by a standard peer review and approved by an international jury.
Warren Buffett, an American investor and businessperson, is the largest shareholder and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. In June 2006, Buffett donated 10 million Berkshire Hathaway class B shares to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, worth about $30.7 billion (about Dh112.9 billion), making this the largest charitable donation in history.
Buffett has promised to donate $6.7 billion (about Dh24.64 billion) to the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, set up in memory of his late wife, and has a charity named after himself, to which he has given $2.6 billion (about Dh9.56 billion).
Not only large international companies can make a difference, but smaller independent companies can also help their communities or world organisations. Knowing how to contribute and where to contribute can be confusing, but there are companies that are set up to advise, design and carry out and evaluate philanthropic programmes for individual donors, families, foundations and corporations. They help invest in projects and various charities to ensure the money they donate will have a maximum impact.
Aiding the poor
Philanthropic initiatives target a wide range of social issues, including education, health, issues affecting youth and families, hunger and nutrition, housing and homelessness, community and economic development, civic engagement, environmental issues and the arts.
"The benefits of the partnership are far reaching. Of course, the world's poorer nations are better off for the aid they receive via WFP (with help from TNT). But from a corporate perspective, TNT's partnership with WFP instils pride in its people — 57 per cent of TNT employees are actively involved in the programme and 68 per cent see TNT as a more attractive company to work for," says Hanusch.
"It also gives TNT employees, customers and other stakeholders more knowledge and experience of the world around us and of the efforts made by organisations such as the WFP to help those far less fortunate than ourselves."
Even if you don't have millions to donate, there are many charities in Dubai that you can get involved with. These include the Dubai Autism Center (www.dubaiautismcenter.ae), Dubai Centre for Special Needs (www.dcsneeds.ae), Médecins Sans Frontières (www.msfuae.ae), Gulf for Good (gulf4good.org), Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (www.ductac.org), Emirates Children Symphony Orchestra and Al Noor Centre for Special Needs (www.alnooruae.org), to name but a few.
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