Key Term

What is Altruism?

Definition

Altruism is the principle or practice of showing selfless concern for the well-being of others and acting to help them without expecting anything in return. In the context of charitable giving, it refers to the voluntary transfer of money, resources, or time to benefit others or support causes without seeking personal gain or reciprocal benefits.

Significance

Altruism plays a fundamental role in charitable giving as it drives individuals and organizations to contribute to social causes and address societal needs beyond their immediate self-interest. Understanding altruistic motivation is crucial for nonprofits and fundraisers as it helps them connect with donors' deeper values and create meaningful giving opportunities. While pure altruism is often debated, as donors may receive indirect benefits like tax advantages or social recognition, the altruistic impulse remains a primary force in philanthropy and serves as the foundation for creating positive social change through charitable actions.