How do Philanthropy and Community Service Relate?

The following definitions (taken from a variety of sources who all agree) highlight the distinctions between the two forms of giving:

Philanthropy is the act of donating money, goods, time or effort to support a charitable cause, usually over an extended period of time and in regard to a defined objective. In a more fundamental sense, philanthropy may encompass any altruistic activity which is intended to promote good or improve quality of life. Someone who is well known for practicing philanthropy may sometimes be called a philanthropist. Most schools and universities rely upon philanthropic donations as a major source of income.

Community service refers to service that a person performs for the benefit of his or her local community. A study was done that correlates community service with academic success; students who maintain a weekly community service record, 85% of the time, are more likely to succeed and have a higher grade point average than those who do none at all.

Examples of community service projects include (but are not limited to):

• cleaning a park;
• collecting much needed items including clothes, shoes, food, blankets, etc.;
• cleaning up the side of the highways or roads;
• reading to the elderly in nursing homes;
• helping out a local fire or police department;
• helping out at a local library;
• tutoring developmentally disabled children for free; and
• participating in school activities that benefit the community.

All Stoneleigh-Burnham School students participate in both required and volunteer community service and philanthropy projects, including an annual fund drive to benefit United Way of Franklin County, a canned food drive, and a book drive for children. This year proves to be an exciting adventure, as students become more active in finding ways to raise money to help the school and the outside community.