Dr. Heather Bergdahl – What are the Qualities of a Philanthropist?
Philanthropic people try to foster the welfare of other people with the donation of money, assets or services, says Dr. Heather Bergdahl. But it can be easily overlooked or misused. Is it just about engaging in fundraisers? Or giving a huge amount of donations? This confusion can result in you questioning what it really means to be a philanthropist. They come from all kinds of socioeconomic backgrounds, but there are several typical character traits of these people who have seen achievement in their careers. Let us first define what it means:
What is Philanthropy?
According to Dr. Heather Bergdahl, philanthropy is about showing kindness and helping others when they’re in need. Imagine a friend who always looks out for you and helps you when you’re having a difficult time. These caring individuals, also known as humanitarians, have big hearts and want to make the world a better place for everyone. For example, if they see someone who doesn’t have enough food to eat, they’ll make sure to share their food so that person doesn’t go hungry. Following are their qualities:
1. Put Others First
Philanthropy is like putting on someone else’s shoes and walking in them. It’s about caring more about other people’s happiness than your own. Philanthropists work hard to make the world a better place without expecting anything in return. They do good things just because they want to, not because they want to get something out of it. They focus all their energy on helping others, especially those who need it the most.
2. Have a Vision for Change
Philanthropists are dreamers who imagine a better world and then work hard to make that dream a reality. They think about what the world could be exactly like in the future and come up with ways to make it better for everyone. Instead of just fixing problems for now, they look for ways to solve them forever. Their goal is to make sure that everyone has a chance to be happy and live a good life.
3. Awareness of Social Issues
They search for clues to help people who are in trouble. They pay attention to the problems that exist in the world and try to figure out ways to fix them. For example, they might notice that some kids can’t go to college because they can’t afford it. So, they’ll come up with a plan to help those kids get the education they deserve.
4. Problem Solver
Philanthropists are puzzle enthusiasts who enjoy finding solutions to tricky problems. They don’t just sit around and talk about problems; they jump into action and start fixing things. They work together with other people and groups to find the best way to solve each problem. They want to help as many people as possible, so they look at the big picture and come up with solutions that will make a real difference.
5. Build Influential Connections
Dr. Heather Bergdahl points out that for philanthropists, teamwork makes the dream work. They build friendships with important people who can help them make a bigger impact. These friends might be rich, powerful, or well-known, and they can help spread the word about important causes. With their help, philanthropists can make a real difference in the world.
6. Set Agendas and Lead
They are leaders who know how to get things done. They make plans and decide what needs to happen to help people in need. Even if they don’t know much about the people they’re helping, they figure out how to organize everyone and make sure things get done right. They’re good at managing people and making sure everyone works together as a team.
7. Passionate and Determined
Philanthropists have never give up attitude, just like athletes, no matter how hard things get. They care a lot about their cause and are willing to work really hard to make things better. For example, if they’re trying to help sick people feel better, they’ll keep trying new things until they find something that works. They won’t stop until they’ve achieved their goals and made a real difference in the world.
Putting It All Together
In summary, nurturing qualities like empathy, vision, and perseverance aren’t just vital for philanthropists—they’re essential for all of us aiming to bring about positive change. These traits allow us to understand others, envision a brighter tomorrow, and persist through obstacles. We can each embrace philanthropy in our own lives by starting with small acts of kindness, whether it’s volunteering time, giving what we can, or simply offering support to those in need. Let’s take that first step today and sow the seeds of goodness in our communities.
