By Dr. Kevin Dean, President & CEO, Tennessee Nonprofit Network
We know Benjamin Franklin as a Founding Father, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, a brilliant inventor who harnessed electricity, and a wise statesman who helped shape the nascent American nation. Yet, often overlooked in the chronicles of his remarkable life is his profound commitment to philanthropy. Franklin wasn’t just a man of science and politics; he was a man of deep benevolence, driven by a fervent belief in the power of collective action to improve society. His innovative approaches to charitable giving and community building left an enduring legacy, shaping the landscape of philanthropy in America and beyond.
The Creator of the Matching Gift
One of Franklin’s most significant contributions to philanthropy was his pioneering use of the “matching gift” as a fundraising tool. In the 1750s, Dr. Thomas Bond approached Franklin with a vision to establish Pennsylvania Hospital, the first hospital in the American colonies. Recognizing the immense value of such an institution, Franklin threw his weight behind the project, but he faced a significant hurdle: securing sufficient funds. To overcome this challenge, Franklin devised a brilliant strategy. He petitioned the Pennsylvania Assembly for a grant, promising that he and his fellow citizens would match the government’s contribution pound for pound. This innovative approach, leveraging private funds to unlock public support, proved remarkably successful. The Assembly agreed to the challenge, and Franklin, with his characteristic zeal, rallied the community to raise the matching funds. This marked the birth of the matching gift, a fundraising technique that continues to be widely employed by charitable organizations today.
The establishment of Pennsylvania Hospital was a landmark achievement, not just for its role in providing much-needed medical care but also for its embodiment of Franklin’s philanthropic philosophy. He believed in the power of public-private partnerships to address societal needs, a belief reflected in his tireless efforts to secure both government funding and private donations for the hospital. This approach, which he would later apply to other projects such as libraries and fire companies, laid the groundwork for the modern concept of “civic venture philanthropy,” where private citizens and government collaborate to tackle social challenges.
Father of Mutual Aid and Libraries for All
Beyond his fundraising prowess, Franklin was also a pioneer in the realm of mutual aid. In 1736, he founded the Union Fire Company, Philadelphia’s first volunteer fire brigade. This initiative stemmed from his deep concern for public safety, having witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of uncontrolled fires. The Union Fire Company, and the numerous others that followed its model, were not merely firefighting units; they were early examples of mutual benefit societies, organizations formed to provide members with collective support in times of need. This concept of shared responsibility and collective action, deeply ingrained in Franklin’s philosophy, would later inspire the development of various mutual aid societies and fraternal organizations across the United States.
Franklin’s commitment to community well-being extended far beyond fire safety. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Library Company of Philadelphia in 1731, America’s first lending library. Recognizing the importance of knowledge and education for individual and societal progress, Franklin envisioned a library that would be accessible to all, regardless of their social standing. This vision was a radical departure from the elitist libraries of the time, which were typically reserved for the wealthy and learned. The Library Company, funded by subscriptions from its members, became a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s intellectual life, fostering a culture of learning and self-improvement.
A Kind and Generous Man
Franklin’s philanthropic endeavors were not confined to grand institutions and formal organizations. He was a firm believer in the importance of individual acts of kindness and generosity. Throughout his life, he supported numerous charitable causes, often anonymously, donating to schools, churches, and individuals in need. He also used his considerable influence to advocate for social reforms, such as the abolition of slavery and the improvement of prison conditions. His belief in the inherent dignity of all human beings, regardless of their race or social status, informed his philanthropic work and his broader vision for a just and equitable society.
The Framer of Charitable Giving
One of Franklin’s lesser-known but equally significant contributions to philanthropy was his role in shaping the legal framework for charitable giving in America. In 1787, while serving as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, he successfully advocated for the inclusion of a clause in the Constitution that protected the right of individuals to form associations for charitable purposes. This clause, enshrined in the First Amendment, laid the legal foundation for the non-profit sector in the United States, ensuring that citizens would have the freedom to organize and contribute to causes they believed in.
Franklin’s legacy extends far beyond the specific institutions and organizations he helped establish. His innovative approaches to fundraising and his emphasis on public-private partnerships have had a profound and lasting impact on the field of philanthropy. His example inspired generations of Americans to engage in charitable giving and community building, shaping a culture of generosity and civic responsibility that continues to this day.