Philanthropy is the practice of giving money, time, and other resources to causes like education, healthcare, the environment, and arts and culture. The world is facing many challenges. Poverty, climate change, failing healthcare systems, and conflict are just a few examples.

Merchants in 17th- and 18th-century western Europe founded organizations for worthy causes. Starting in the late 19th century, large personal fortunes led to the creation of private foundations that bequeathed large gifts in support of the arts, education, medical research, public policy, social services, environmental programs, and other causes.

It may involve charitable giving to worthy causes. Wealthy individuals sometimes establish private foundations to facilitate their philanthropic efforts. Nonprofits are organizations set up to support a variety of social causes, such as educational, health, scientific, public safety, and human rights, that generally do philanthropic work.