We believe that with great power and influence comes a great responsibility to give back. Following this belief, Philanthropic People seeks to highlight the people and organizations that are giving back in order to better our world. We provide opportunities for you to volunteer and give back as well in our Resources section, and we keep tabs on the latest news in philanthropy.
Our site is still growing, but we are committed to the belief that, as Anthony Robbins once said, “Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more.”
Learn more about some of the world’s most philanthropic organizations by checking out some of the groups below!
AGAPE
Founded in Huntsville, Alabama in 1969, AGAPE is a non-profit organization that seeks to meet the needs of children and families in North Alabama. It is a Christian-based organization that offers love and compassion to those in need; in fact, it’s very name—AGAPE—comes from the Greek word for “love.”
Continue learning about AGAPE.
Amy Winehouse Foundation
A victim of the dark side of many celebrities, Amy Winehouse was a talented singer, popular in England and the United States. Winehouse died of a drug overdose in July of 2011. On September 14, 2011, which would have been her 28th birthday, her father launched the Amy Winehouse Foundation. The charity raises funds for drug addiction education, treatment, and the homeless. So far, the charity has donated close to $1 million to help drug addicts.
Continue learning about the Amy Winehouse Foundation.
Artists for Humanity
Based out of Boston, Artists for Humanity (AFH) is a non-profit arts and enterprise organization for youth. It was founded in 1991, and its mission is “to bridge economic, racial and social divisions by providing underserved youth with the keys to self-sufficiency through paid employment in the arts.” And what started with just five teens has grown to a program that reaches more than 250 youth each year.
Continue learning about Artists for Humanity.
Extra Life
Extra Life is in its fourth year of operation. What is it, exactly? Well, in support of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, gamers have banded together to make a difference. What do they do? Play games, of course!
By gathering together friends, family, and any other possible supporters, they gain sponsorships for their play. They pledge to stay up for 24 hours playing video games—and the goal is to be sponsored for every single one of those hours. Extra Life asks gamers to try and find at least four people who will pledge $1 (or more) per hour, which would bring in at least $96.
Continue learning about Extra Life.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
One of the most respected guide dog schools in the world is Guiding Eyes for the Blind. The nonprofit organization was founded in 1954 to enrich the lives of the blind and visually impaired by raising, training, distributing and supporting guide dogs to help people increase their mobility and independence. Today, Guiding Eyes has networks and chapters all over the country that help raise puppies and train guide dogs to work effectively. In 1977, professional golfer Ken Venturi started the charity’s main fundraiser, the Guiding Eyes Golf Classic, called affectionately the “masters of blind golf.”
Continue learning about Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
The Henry R. Kravis Prize in Leadership
Henry Kravis is an American born finance magnate who began the Henry R. Kravis Prize in Leadership in the early 2000s. The Henry R. Kravis Prize in Leadership is awarded annually to those who show dedication and talent in the nonprofit sector. The award is administered by the Henry Kravis Leadership Institute at Claremont McKenna College.
Continue learning about the Henry R. Kravis Prize in Leadership.
Holy Rosary R.C. sponsors “Bridges of Hope” for NYCHA Residents
Volunteers from Holy Rosary R.C. Church’s “Bridges of Hope” program in New York have been reaching out to single mothers and children living in the New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA’s) South Beach Houses for the past twelve years. According to silive.com, they provide back-to-school supplies, clothing, grocery store gift certificates, toys, and other gadgets children and families can utilize for the upcoming school year. Holy Rosary parishioner Diane Barry, who died on September 11, 2001, conceived the idea for the program. Today the program is led by Grace Murphy, a retired English teacher, who has incorporated craft activities, health counseling, and crime-prevention aspects into the event. The Bridges of Hope program currently serves about 42 mothers and 75 children, most of who hear about the program from word of mouth. The program was created in 1998 as part of a social-action outreach effort to “bridge” the congregation and the families of the NYCHA complex.
Continue learning about NYCHA.
Hopelink
What does it feel like to find hope? If you have ever experienced homelessness, hunger or some other type of despair, it may have seemed far away. However, there is an organization fighting to link people to hope for the future.
Hopelink is a Washington-based nonprofit that helps people from all walks of life to find their way again. Started in 1971, it mainly serves low-income, homeless families, children, seniors and people with disabilities. Its mission is to “promote self-sufficiency for all members of our community…[and] help people make lasting change.”
Continue learning about Hopelink.
The Laura and John Arnold Foundation
John and Laura Arnold began the Laura and John Arnold Foundation in Houston, Texas in 2008. The Arnolds earned their wealth through the hedge fund Centaurs Energy and through Laura Arnold’s work as a corporate lawyer. Determined to give back, the young couple has since donated over $101 million to non-profits.
Continue learning about the Laura and John Arnold Foundation.
The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA)
The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) is a nonprofit organization and the “only national force devoted to solving the mystery of lupus, one of the world’s cruelest, most unpredictable, and devastating diseases, while giving caring support to those who suffer from its brutal impact.”
Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect many areas of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other internal organs. It can be mild or life threatening, and occurs when the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue. The cause of lupus is still not known, though research has shown that women are affected at a ratio of 9:1 to men. Young women, African Americans and Asians are more likely to be affected by lupus.
Continue learning about the Lupus Foundation of America.
The Milken Institute
“Our mission is to improve lives around the world by advancing innovative economic and policy solutions that create jobs, widen access to capital and enhance health,” reads their website.
By bringing together influential leaders with various areas of expertise, The Milken Institute is able to put great ideas into action around the world. Many of these leaders also function as speakers for events like their Global Conference. Past speakers include experts such as Ray McDaniel Moody’s CEO, former President Bill Clinton, George Lucas, David Crane, and Steve Forbes. The Global Conference is considered the top public policy conference and brings in about 3,000 leaders from around the world.
Continue learning about the Milken Institute.
Movember
During Movember, thousands of men around the world don freshly grown mustaches in support of such initiatives. Clean-shaven on November 1st, for one month these men grow their mustaches—only trimming and waxing allowed. By doing so, they are taking a direct approach to advertising for the cause. They are responsible for passing on their knowledge, raising awareness, and urging the conversation—and donations—about the issue to continue.
Continue learning about Movember.
Partners for New York
Partnership for New York City is an organization that strives to advance the local economy by connecting like minded leaders in business. NYC is known for being one of the most prolific hubs for world commerce, finance, and innovation, and it’s the group’s duty to maintain this reputation.
Continue learning about Partners for New York.
Planters
Planters snack food company has a mission: sustainability. On Planters’ website, company farmer Tony Campos says, ”As farmers, we consider ourselves the original stewards of the environment. Our livelihood depends on the sustainability of our land and our ability to harness and responsibly use all that Mother Nature provides.”
Continue learning about Planters.
Roberts Enterprise Development Fund (REDF)
The Roberts Enterprise Development Fund (REDF) is a venture philanthropy organization that was established in 1997 by George R. Roberts. Roberts, who is best known for being a co-founder of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. alongside Henry Kravis, created REDF to “create jobs and employment opportunities for people facing the greatest barriers to work.”
Robin Hood Foundation
The Robin Hood Foundation is the biggest anti-poverty organization in New York City, and 100% of all donations go toward fighting poverty. Founded more than 20 years ago, the Robin Hood Foundation partners only with those organizations that have proven effective in the war on poverty. It aims to maximize impact with every donation.
Continue learning about the Robin Hood Foundation.
Ronald McDonald House
Nothing can be harder than dealing with the emotional pain of having a sick child. So many things swirl through your head, the last of which may be where to stay during that traumatic time.
Ronald McDonald House started in 1983 to alleviate some of the problems. They provide a “home-away-from-home” to help families through their difficult time.
Continue learning about Ronald McDonald House.
Tommy Hilifiger
We’re adding Tommy Hilfiger to our list of charitable businesses that we love. Since Sandy left the east coast, we’ve really seen people come together and help each other out. It’s heartwarming to see those that can offer the most really contributing to the communities, because they’re the ones who can most easily make a difference.
Continue learning about Tommy Hilifiger.
Water 1st International
Water 1st International is a charity based in Seattle, Washington that was funded by civil engineer and water advocate Marla Smith-Nilson. Marla and her team at Water 1st believe that access to clean water is a basic human right, and that impoverished people should not have to face the challenges bought on by lack of access to sanitation, drinking water, and education. Long term sustainability lies at the foundation of the organization’s goals, working through local partners that provide the community with long term support and training to stay healthy and maintain water projects.
Continue learning about Water 1st International.
Women’s World Banking Program
Microfinance provides micro-entrepreneurs and small businesses without access to banking services the financial support they need to succeed. In a world where poverty is not uncommon, microfinance aims to help poor and near-poor households with the ability to become self-sustaining and successful.
Women have proven to be very good entrepreneurs, often better than men. But they’re not always supported in their endeavors—a tragic loss for the business world. Luckily, women’s strong entrepreneurial abilities have not gone unnoticed to all. Women’s World Banking program is a microfinance network that can be found in over 27 countries. It is “the only microfinance network with an explicit focus on women.