What type of degree is needed to become a philanthropist?

Philanthropy is a way of life, not a degree. Oprah is considered a philanthropist due to her generosity to global causes and her humanitarianism. Money isn’t a requirement…find your level of philanthropy and run with it! Social work may be a program that may interest you. Best wishes!

No degree, just lots of money. Bill Gates is becoming a philanthropist in his later years, and he doesn’t even have a college degree.

phi·lan·thro·pist [fi-lan-thruh-pist] – noun a person who practices philanthropy.

phi·lan·thro·py (fÄ­-lān’thrə-pē) Pronunciation Key

n. pl. phi·lan·thro·pies

1) The effort or inclination to increase the well-being of humankind, as by charitable aid or donations.

2) Love of humankind in general.

3) Something, such as an activity or institution, intended to promote human welfare.

You don’t need a degree of any kind to become a philanthropist. Having money helps but you don’t even need that. All you need is the willingness and desire to better the quality of life of your fellow human beings.

A philanthropist is not usually a career; it is someone who gives generously to causes. Thus, the best preparation would be anything which would earn large enough amounts of money to leave one with enough to give away.

The biggest thing you need is money. And, while I’m certain that any number of us could give you ideas on where you should bestow it, there are no actual courses on that–not enough philanthropists to need it, I guess.

If you are interested in working in the field of philanthropy (also referred to as fundraising, or development), a college degree will suffice. Doing volunteer work with a charity in their fundraising department would be a good idea. There are some universities that now offer a certificate in nonprofit management or in fundraising/philanthropy. That would be good to look for. Once you are in the field, you may wish to be active in your local chapter of NSFRE (National Society of Fundraising Executives). They have a certifcation program, which is the “golden seal of approval” for fundraisers. Contact your local chapter of NSFRE to see if they can put you in touch with members who would give you informational interviews, who you could volunteer to work with, who would invite you to NSFRE meetings.

You don’t need a degree. You need money — and lots of it.

All you need is money. Lots of it.