
Philanthropy
Definition
Philanthropy refers to all voluntary actions aimed at supporting causes of general interest—social, educational, environmental, humanitarian, health-related, cultural, and more—through financial donations, time, or resources. It reflects a long-term commitment to the common good, focused on implementing projects with a positive social impact. Unlike sponsorship, philanthropy prioritizes impact and public interest rather than media exposure or tax benefits. It is part of a broader approach to social responsibility, mobilizing resources to improve society and generate lasting change.
Forms of Philanthropy
Individual Philanthropy:
Carried out by individuals, often High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI). It includes financial donations, bequests, or the creation of personal foundations.
Corporate Philanthropy:
Companies support social or environmental causes, often integrating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into their overall strategy.
Institutional Philanthropy:
Foundations and organizations fund large-scale projects of general interest. This may include grants for education, health, the environment, or scientific research.
Objectives and Benefits of Philanthropy
Philanthropy aims to create lasting positive impact and strengthen social engagement:
Create positive social impact: Improve community life, support education and health, etc.
Transmit values: Encourage solidarity and civic engagement.
Tax benefits: In some countries, philanthropic donations are eligible for tax deductions.
Enhance reputation: For individuals and companies, philanthropy highlights ethical commitments.
Philanthropy and Private Banking
In private banking, philanthropy plays a strategic role by assisting wealthy clients (HNWI/UHNWI) in implementing their social and charitable commitments.
Key aspects include:
Supporting the structuring and financing of humanitarian projects and charitable initiatives led by clients.
Managing and creating foundations or philanthropic funds tailored to personal and family objectives.
Advising on sponsorship and solidarity financing to optimize social impact while integrating these actions into an overall wealth strategy.
Incorporating impact investing as a lever to reconcile financial performance with responsible engagement.
Providing bespoke support to meet social responsibility requirements and enhance philanthropic actions within a coherent and sustainable approach.
In short, philanthropy in private banking is a dedicated service combining financial expertise and personalized advice to help wealthy clients maximize their social and environmental contribution while effectively structuring their commitments.
Philanthropy and Family Offices
Many family offices assist HNWI clients with philanthropy by:
Structuring donations and creating foundations.
Investing in social impact projects.
Combining wealth strategy with long-term social engagement.
In Brief – Philanthropy
Philanthropy means giving to support causes of general interest and create lasting social impact.
Main types: Individual, corporate, institutional
Target audience: Wealthy individuals, HNWI/UHNWI, companies, foundations, family offices.
Objective: Combine social engagement and wealth strategy for a lasting effect on society.
