Philanthropy is the best of us, no matter our backgrounds or beliefs. It empowers our instincts to help one another, strengthens our communities, and provides space for arts and culture to flourish. November is National Philanthropy Month, an opportunity to honor the legacy of charity across the United States and recommit to joyful giving through local, regional and national initiatives. 

Philanthropy comes from the Greek words for love and humankind, though it is easy to forget that charitable giving is an opportunity to engage with our own compassion. Many of us encounter pressures in daily life to ignore the needs of our communities in favor of taller fences and greater profits. Each of us can, and must, choose to be people who build bigger tables, fix what is broken and feed our neighbors’ children.  

Through my work at the Delaware Community Foundation, I’ve learned that so much of what makes our state an incredible place to live – providing free and reduced-cost healthcare, fixing houses, beautifying streets, feeding children – is motivated by the passion and goodwill of a select number of philanthropists. 

Vibrant communities, however they may appear from the outside, don’t just happen by accident. They happen when Delawareans and people around the country decide to start nonprofits, establish charitable trusts, launch scholarships, volunteer time and serve one another through immeasurable and often infinitesimal gestures of human compassion.   

For its part, Delaware has a strong tradition of philanthropy, with families like the Freemans, Schells, Rollinses and Allens making gifts that continue to make a large-scale impact. I’ve also seen how consistent, compounded donations enable initiatives like the West Rehoboth Legacy Mural, celebrating Black, Brown and African American culture, and the Northeast Community Development Cooperation nonprofit, which supports Northeast Wilmington through workforce programs and micro-grants to local businesses. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t also address the very real tax benefits of giving back. Donor-advised funds allow individuals to make a tax-deductible donation in one year and then distribute the funds to charities over time. Charitable contributions made through a will or estate plan can reduce estate taxes. People can donate assets such as stocks, real estate or other investments that have appreciated over time to avoid paying capital gains taxes on the appreciation.  

We all have gifts that enable us to transform the world around us. Whether through financial support, volunteering time or simply spreading kindness, each of us can contribute to stronger, more vibrant communities. We’re coming up on the end of this year, but Delawareans can still make an impact and receive tax benefits. Whether during National Philanthropy Month or in the future, reach out to me (mdipaolo@delcf.org) at the Delaware Community Foundation to discuss how your gift can help others in our state.