Zoe Lawhorn

As the President of the Women’s Fund of Smith County, I spend a lot of time thinking about philanthropy – through the lens of a women’s giving circle that has awarded over $3.2 million to 34 Smith County nonprofits since 2009.

This time of year, we celebrate all forms of love together in anticipation of Valentine’s Day. We shower our loved ones with gifts (the more frivolous the better!) and enjoy special meals together, we send flowers and chocolates and sappy cards, and we take a moment to pause and celebrate the people we love the most.

In my professional world, my greatest joy is that I can spend my days loving people I will never meet. I can work to ensure that they have things they need – a helping hand, a safer home, specialized trauma counseling, access to healthy food, access to fine arts experiences, and so much more – all because I am a part of a powerful tribe that emphatically believes in loving other people by doing what we can to improve their lives.

Philanthropy, in my opinion, is a love like no other and one we should celebrate this month (as we enjoy our chocolates, of course).

Philanthropy is a term steeped in the ethos of altruism and benevolence and finds its roots in the Greek words ‘philos’, meaning love, and ‘anthropos’, meaning human being. Literally translated, it encapsulates the notion of love for humanity. At its core, philanthropy embodies the act of giving, not merely in material possessions, but also in spirit and compassion.

The origins of philanthropy trace back to ancient civilizations where communal support and charity were considered fundamental virtues. Whether in the form of assisting the less fortunate, supporting education, or fostering cultural endeavors, acts of philanthropy have been pivotal in shaping societies throughout history.

However, philanthropy transcends mere charity; it embodies a profound commitment to the welfare of others, driven by empathy and a deep-seated desire to alleviate suffering and foster progress. It is a testament to the innate human capacity for compassion and empathy, reflecting our interconnectedness and shared responsibility towards one another.

I think this true meaning gets lost sometimes because of our own perceptions of famous philanthropists. A cynical person might look at high profile philanthropists and think they are giving just to get recognition, to impress their peers and fans, or to earn a tax credit. But my experience with philanthropists (which I would say is pretty extensive at this point) suggests no such critical view of those who give.

Instead, I see the fundamental virtues that were evident in our ancestral communities flowing through the generous hands and hearts of the women I work with every day.

At the heart of philanthropy lies an unwavering sense of love – love for humanity, love for justice, and love for a better world. It is this profound sense of love that propels individuals to give selflessly, to extend a helping hand to those in need, and to work towards building a more equitable and inclusive society.

Indeed, the act of giving back to the community is intricately intertwined with the concept of love. It is an acknowledgment of our interconnectedness and a recognition of our collective humanity. When we give back to our communities, we not only uplift others but also nurture a sense of belonging and solidarity. In essence, philanthropy is a manifestation of love in action – a tangible expression of our shared humanity and our commitment to making the world a better place for all.

Moreover, philanthropy is not confined to financial contributions alone. It encompasses a spectrum of acts – from volunteering time and expertise to advocating for social change and systemic reform. Each act of philanthropy, however big or small, carries the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and contribute to the greater good.

As a giving circle, the Women’s Fund of Smith County leverages our own collective philanthropic capacities and abilities, so that together, we make a bigger impact on our community than any one of us could do on our own. The eagerness, the anonymity, and the hard work behind the scenes of all that the Women’s Fund does together is a testament to me that the true spirit of philanthropy is humble and sincere – but incredibly powerful.

Written and submitted with a heart full of love, happy Valentine’s Day to our community and those who give to make it great!