WILD

Philanthropy, from Reality to TV

William A. Schambra’s column in the current Chronicle of Philanthropy — “The Philanthropist Rebuts Grant-Making Professionals” — is an insightful review of a new television show, The Philanthropist, that provides perceptive comment on philanthropy today. It caused me to reflect.

It has been a long time since “The Millionaire” was on TV, and I surely date myself by referring to it. As a kid I was of course fascinated with the weekly scenario where a polite character named Michael Anthony (personal assistant for industrialist John Beresford Tipton) turns up at someone’s door and hands over a check for $1 million from “…a benefactor who must remain anonymous.” Besides the fact that in the late 1950′s a million USD actually meant a great deal more than it does today, the show was an exploration of individual philanthropy and the effect of money.

I surely had no idea at the time that I would spend my career exploring the same questions on behalf of nature conservation for my own organization and often on behalf of many others, but primarily on the “other side” of the philanthropic spectrum from grant-maker Mr. Tipton.

Philanthropy has come a long way since the ‘50′s, and the US can be very proud of the philanthropic legacy that continues to grow in its society, its role as a model for other nations, and the positive impact it has had on many sectors, conservation and wilderness included. That said, one of my overall impressions after 35 years of grant-seeking and some grant-making, is completely in accord with Schambra’s piece and the core issue he sees explored by The Philanthropist.

In simple terms, and in my own words, keep space in the grant-making process for the individual, the impulse, and the non-linear. While evaluation, measured objectives and formality are key elements of successful grant-making, they often overwhelm other, equally important aspects such as a subjective sense of what is right; entrepreneurial approaches to problem solving; the need for experimentation; and more.

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