CFCN, Calgary's local CTV news network aired a piece yesterday entitled, "Charity, What's In It For Me?"  I only saw the tail end of the segment and I wish I had seen it all.  Part of the piece that I saw was an interview with a dear friend and mentor, Tony Meyers.  Tony is a fund development consultant and has led seminars and workshops around the world on donor cultivation and stewardship.  The question that was posed to him was, should there be an expectation of a return for charitable work.  His response was that charity is a transformational experience.  The mere fact that you as a person gets something out of actively participating in philanthropic activities does not mean that you should not participate. 

This sentiment was supported by Carol, a volunteer for Hospice Calgary, who said (I am paraphrasing), "Why would I do something that was drudgery?"  She has been volunteering for the Hospice for a long time and feels that she gets more out of this experience as a volunteer than if she were to be paid to do this.  The act of volunteering is generating a personal/emotional benefit that she feels outweighs what she is giving.

Philanthropy = The Love of Mankind

At some point we lost the true meaning of philanthropy and have equated it with finances and economic indicators.  We are a consumer driven society, as such charities have had to play to our values that we espouse.  The "What's in it for me?" is a driving factor of any relationship, whether it is work, volunteer, personal or financial.  The net result could be a feeling or it could be publicity.  Whatever the reason for participating in the philanthropic act, there is a thought shift that occurs.  What drives us to actively participate in the philanthropic activity has a direct bearing on our values and goals.  Recognizing where we come from and where the purpose for engaging in charitable activities will help us identify the best way to engage in those activities.