Is there a difference between philanthropy and humanitarianism?

This is what I found online :

Philanthropist – someone who makes charitable donations intended to increase human well-being.

Humanitarian – someone devoted to the promotion of human welfare and to social reforms.

After reading both of these definitions, I still don’t know if there’s a difference or not.

” they overlap

you can be a humanitarian without being a philanthropist – by never actually making donations

but a philanthropist is always a humanitarian – unless I guess he’s a mafia boss or some other villainous figure who’s just doing it for PR and doesn’t really hold those values

but that just may be one take on it ”

Is this true???

I think philanthropy for the most part implies donating wealth, and it’s one of those words that when you hear it, it isn’t the mailman or clerk at the piggly wiggly that leaps to mind Philanthropy is one of those hobbies by definition restricted to those of substantial means. Humanitarianism on the other hand is about advocating in any manner for the betterment of your fellow human beings free of coercion or remuneration.

Does a person also have to be super super rich to be a philanthropist?

My dad is a millionaire so he’s definitely what most people think of the stereotypical “Philanthropist”

but what if you’re younger and donate a lesser amount to different charities?

Does the money amount equal in being a philanthropist?

Whether you donate a check for $30,000 or give $300 ???

@stanleybmanly

Would I be considered a philanthropist if I donate money??? Or would it only be my father??? Since he’s the “stereotypical” philanthropist (older, white, male, rich, etc) like what you said you wouldn’t really consider the mail man a philanthropist.

If I am on a lesser money scale would I just be considered a “Humanitarian” ? Thanks @stanleybmanly

This video says anyone can be a philanthropist no matter age or income, but I don’t know if that’s true, this is so confusing…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC-9jwDQm7w

In general terms…a philanthropist provides money and direction to a cause and a “humanitarian” will personally invest their own blood, sweat and tears towards a cause perhaps because that is all they have to contribute. Both can do both and often do.

@Cruiser

Yeah that makes sense….. So someone can be both?

For example if I donated money for a cause & charities…. but if I volunteer as well and do a lot of activism? Could I be considered both?

@Cruiser Opps okay so just read where you said both…. So is it safe to say then I can consider myself a humanitarian? I do donate money, but unlike my father not a ton since I’m still young….. could I be a philanthropist as well? I donate money & clothing & supplies to women’s shelters…..

So a philanthropist is always a humanitarian, but a humanitarian is not necessarily a philanthropist?

Vast quantities of money.

Humanitarianism is based on a view that all human beings deserve respect and dignity and should be treated as such. Therefore, humanitarians work towards advancing the well-being of humanity as a whole. It is the antithesis of the “us vs. them” mentality that characterizes tribalism and ethnic nationalism. Humanitarians abhor slavery, violation of basic and human rights, and discrimination on the basis of features such as colour of skin, religion, ancestry, place of birth, etc. Humanitarianism is embraced by movements and people across the political spectrum.

A philanthropist is someone who engages in philanthropy; that is, someone who donates his or her time, money, or reputation to a charitable cause. The term may apply to any volunteer or to anyone who makes a donation, but the label is most often applied to those who donate large sums of money or who make a major impact through their volunteering, such as a trustee who manages a philanthropic organization.

@starsandroses Some people may choose to not stretch their gray matter enough to appreciate the nuance between the two. Humanitarianism is a moral of kindness, benevolence, and sympathy extended to all human beings. A philanthropist is a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes. And yes….IMO you easily can be both and seems to me you indeed are. The emphasis on monetary contributions is what defines a philanthropist but does not exclude them from also being a humanitarian.

Philanthropy is an activity; humanitarianism is a belief.