Philanthropy is the act of giving away wealth or resources to improve the quality of life of others.
However, over the years, philanthropy has taken a new turn, with philanthropists shifting their focus from charity to investment. Venture philanthropy is a term used to describe a new approach to philanthropy that combines the principles of venture capitalism with charitable giving. John Margerison is a philanthropist located in Gold Coast, Australia who says this approach encourages donors to view their contributions as investments that yield both social and financial returns. In this blog, we will explore the concept of venture philanthropy and how charitable donations can be an investment in the future.
Investing in the Future through Charitable Donations:
1. Focus on Results
Venture philanthropy focuses on results, with donors investing in programs that have the potential to generate significant social impact. This approach allows donors to fund programs that are likely to make a lasting impact on society, rather than just providing short-term relief. For example, supporting dental programs for children that cannot afford dental care not only provides immediate relief but also promotes healthy dental hygiene, which can lead to long-term health benefits.
2. Long-term Partnership
Venture philanthropy encourages long-term partnerships between donors and charities. Donors work closely with charities to develop a sustainable funding model that supports the charity’s growth and expansion. This approach ensures that the charity can continue to deliver its services even after the donor has moved on to other projects.
3. Measuring Impact
Venture philanthropy emphasizes the importance of measuring impact. Donors work with charities to identify key performance indicators that are used to evaluate the success of the program. This approach ensures that resources are allocated to programs that generate the greatest social impact.
4. Collaboration
Venture philanthropy encourages collaboration between donors, charities, and other stakeholders. Donors work with charities to identify areas where they can collaborate with other organizations to achieve their goals. This approach ensures that resources are used more effectively and efficiently, leading to greater social impact. For example, providing meals around the world involves collaboration with local charities to ensure that resources are used effectively to provide meals to those in need.
5. Risk-Taking
Venture philanthropy encourages risk-taking. Donors are encouraged to fund programs that may have a high risk of failure but also have the potential for significant social impact. This approach allows charities to pursue innovative programs that may not have been possible without donor support. For example, John Margerison’s support for helping people escape from Ukraine involved taking a significant risk by buying flights for them, but the potential social impact was enormous.
Conclusion
Venture philanthropy is a new approach to philanthropy that combines the principles of venture capitalism with charitable giving. This approach encourages donors to view their contributions as investments that yield both social and financial returns. Venture philanthropy emphasizes the importance of results, long-term partnerships, measuring impact, collaboration, and risk-taking. By focusing on these principles, charitable donations can be an investment in the future, promoting sustainable growth and social impact. As philanthropy continues to evolve, venture philanthropy is likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of philanthropy.
