A SHORT HISTORY OF PHILANTHROPY ANCIENT GREECE It is generally agreed that the word was coined 2500 years ago in ancient Greece. The word, (φιλάνθρωπος) philanthropos, is a combination of two words: (φίλος) philos, “loving” in the sense of benefitting, caring for, nourishing; and (ἄνθρωπος) anthropos, “human being” in the sense of “humankind”, “humanity”, or “human-ness”. DEFENITION OF KINGDOM The word “basileia” refers to the authority to rule as a king and secondly the realm over which the reign is exercised. DEFINITION OF PHILANTHROPIST 1. Benefactor of mankind 2. Someone who softens the suffering of others 3. An activity performed with the goal of promoting the well-being and        advancement of fellow man. MODERN DEFINITIONS Putting all this together in modern terms, there are four relatively authoritative definitions of “philanthropy” that come close to the Classical concept: 1. John W. Gardner’s “private initiatives for the public good”; 2. Robert Payton’s “voluntary action for the public good”; 3. Lester Salamon’s “the private giving of time or        valuables…for public purposes” and 4. Robert Bremner’s “the aim of philanthropy…is improvement in the        quality of human life”. Combining these to connect modern philanthropy with its entire previous history, “philanthropy” may best be defined as, “private initiatives for public good, focusing on quality of life.” The purpose of philanthropy is also debated. Some equate philanthropy with benevolence and charity for the poor. Others hold that philanthropy can be any altruistic act that fulfils a social need that is not served, is under-served, or is perceived as such by the market. Some believe that philanthropy can be a means to build community by growing community funds and giving vehicles. When communities see themselves as being resource rich instead of asset poor, the community is in a better position to solve community problems. CURRENT STATE After 2500 years, the world is still a place in desperate need.  Philanthropy as a philosophy and social tool has failed to achieve the necessary results. A NEW PERSPECTIVE What is needed is a new perspective on a very old idea which we call: KINGDOM PHILANTHROPY. © Kingdom Philanthropists 2012 Designed By JoFo KINGDOM PHILANTHROPISTS History Philanthropy is not a new idea.