What do we mean when we talk about philanthropy? An upcoming documentary by Grand Valley professor Salvatore Alaimo reveals how little we really know.
“I don’t know. I think it has something do with money, maybe?”
“Usually that’s when a rich person does something without taking a profit for someone in need.”
More often than not, wealth and privilege are what the word “philanthropist” conjures up in most people’s minds. But as Alaimo sets out to prove, the concept is a lot more complicated than that. What is Philanthropy?, a five-year project launched when Alaimo became “frustrated explaining his field at social gatherings,” debunks the myths behind philanthropic giving and showcases the diversity of both givers and receivers alike. On a deeper level, it presents philanthropy as a concept “synonymous with American history, principles, and culture” and, ultimately, hopes to educate its viewers about the reality behind its practice, history, and significance.
For more information, visit the film’s official website, and be sure to check out the trailer!