Philanthropy is becoming ever more popular in the business world. An increasing number of business professionals are now making donations to support a particular cause. Some may donate to a charity that they feel passionate about while others may focus on a number of areas, such as education and arts and culture in order to help improve local communities.
There may be a number of reasons why successful business professionals choose to practice philanthropy. It could be that they have suffered a serious illness, such as cancer, and wish to offer support to a charity that focuses on cancer research or one that provides support for cancer patients. Some business professionals choose to donate to a university where they were a student to help fund new facilities. Education is a particularly popular area when it comes to philanthropy in the business world.
Some business professionals focus on areas that they feel particularly passionate about or areas that they feel help communities locally or even nationwide. Some donate money to museums and theatres or help to fund a housing project. Many business professionals donate to hospitals to help build extra facilities for patients. Becoming a philanthropist gives business owners the chance to make a change that can be beneficial to their business, as they will become known for giving to worthy causes.
Donations from business professionals can make a huge difference, mainly because they can make large donations. Some business owners donate up to $2 million to charities, hospitals or universities. Large donations can give schools, universities or hospitals the money they need in order to provide better facilities or extra educational programs. Large donations can also be a great help to charities that focus on areas such as child poverty or research for serious illnesses such as cancer or multiple sclerosis.
One example of a business professional who has made the leap into philanthropy is Lord Laidlaw. Lord Laidlaw donates $2 million to scholarships at Columbia Business School and supports many other educational programs and youth projects, including the Rural Education Access Programme. He has also provided donations to Keith Grammar School to help senior pupils prepare for the world of work and to his former school, Merchiston Castle School, to create a new sixth form, which will be named Laidlaw House in honor of him.
While it is easier for business professionals to become philanthropists due to their wealth, you can still offer help and support to charities even if your business is only just starting out. Organizing fundraising events is an ideal way of helping to raise money for charities and is a great way to gain recognition from potential customers if you are a small business looking to grow. With so many fundraising activities and event options, it is easier than ever to follow in the footsteps of business professionals and start making a difference.
