Portraits of Philanthropic Largesse: The Experience of Giving to Alleviate Global Poverty

Abstract

This study investigates the experiences of five wealthy individuals in the United States who gave more than $1 million toward alleviating global poverty. This research uses the lens of depth psychology to understand the deeper meaning and significance of such giving in their lives. Using the qualitative research methodology of portraiture to record and interpret human experience, this study draws on semi-structured interviews to present four portraits that merge literary sensibility with empirical rigor to represent the essence of participants’ experience, perspectives as stated by these donors themselves, and interpretive insight using depth psychology. Though each portrait is whole unto itself, findings include common features exhibited by these philanthropists that reveal the importance of encountering people in need, seeing money’s potential to harm or help, and practicing donor reflexivity. For these givers, addressing poverty is a priority whereas they are unlikely to support causes traditionally favored by elite philanthropy. Additionally, all participants give more than money and often forego anonymity to further contribute. Illuminating the psyche’s need for meaning, longing to make a difference, response to suffering, and imagination for transformational change, this study provides new insight into motivations and benefits of giving. The deeper significance of giving in these wealthy individuals’ lives reveals an integration that joins the interests of self and other while seeking to improve the welfare of people in need.