What is One of the Defining Differences Between Excellent Schools and Exceptional Schools? A Culture of Philanthropy.

Philanthropy comes from the Ancient Greek word, philanthropia. Broken down, philo is “loving” or “friend,” and anthropos is “human” or “mankind.” Quite literally, philanthropy means “for the love of humankind.” 

That definition offers an important lens through which to think about schools. At its best, philanthropy is not simply about raising money, it is an expression of belief: belief in a school’s mission, its people, and its potential. Which is why I’m a firm believer that a key difference between excellent schools and exceptional schools is philanthropy.

Tuition, on the other hand, is critical, but it is market driven. It is not a differentiator.

Tuition reflects geography, operating costs, and competitive realities. It allows schools to keep the lights on and pay its teachers and staff. These are non-negotiable items within the operating budget. Philanthropy, however, powers the hopes and dreams of its students and faculty. Philanthropy drives possibility as every gift made is an investment in the potential of a young person. Indeed, “for the love of humankind.”

But beyond any one gift or moment of generosity, it is a culture of philanthropy that creates collective belief that your mission is a worthy one—one worth investing in. A culture of philanthropy reveals the depth of a community's commitment. It reflects the level of trust people place in an institution's leadership. It allows schools to not simply operate, but innovate—to expand financial aid, invest in talent, transform campuses, launch new programs, and respond boldly to opportunities that align with their mission. 

Following a study launched by the Council for Advancement and Support (CASE)’s Commission on Philanthropy in the early 2010s, a new definition of a “culture of philanthropy” was presented: When everyone in the organization fosters relationshipsaround shared values that build trust and raise resources for the enhancement of the institution, it results in a culture of philanthropy.

Chief Advancement Officers are champions for a strong culture of philanthropy, and they play a crucial role in cultivating, sustaining, and growing one, but they can’t do it alone. As the definition suggests, it’s a responsibility that everyone must take on. Contrary to popular belief, making an ask isn’t why people give, it is because they believe deeply in the vision, leadership, and future of your organization. Every interaction with a teacher, a coach, an administrator, a trustee, a student, or staff member either deepens a connection or diminishes it. A teacher who knows a student’s story, a coach who makes a student-athlete feel seen, a receptionist who offers a warm welcome are all contributing to philanthropy. 

With philanthropy defined as the love for humankind, and with the advancement team responsible for the strategy and mechanics of fundraising, it falls onto the entire school community to be responsible for creating the conditions through which generosity can flourish. 

Philanthropy, and the strong culture that supports it, ignites possibility and ensures that our schools are equal to the aspirations of our students, whose impact in making the world a better place reaches far beyond our campuses…for the love of humankind.

Interested in learning more about how to determine whether your school has a strong culture of philanthropy? Reach out our advancement search team here at RG175.