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By: Katherine West

[email protected]

What is Philanthropy? That is the question that the Dorothy A. Johnson Center wants to answer.

In recognition of the 29th annual national philanthropy day on Nov. 17, a special two-hour event will take place at Grand Valley State University’s Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy. There will be a screening of the documentary “What is Philanthropy?” Commentary from producer Salvatore Alaimo and a discussion facilitated by Joel J. Orosz will follow.

Alaimo is an associate professor of nonprofit management in the School of Public, Nonprofit and Health Administration at GVSU. Orosz is managing editor of Our State of Generosity, an online platform at GVSU that looks at philanthropic leadership, and he is also professor of philanthropic studies emeritus at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy.

“The purpose of the film is to enhance our understanding of the concept of philanthropy and its role in American culture and society,” Alaimo said in a press release. “It seeks to broaden our perspectives for giving, enhance our understanding for philanthropy’s capabilities, shortcomings and provoke us to reflect on our giving.”

The film is aimed at the general public and students currently enrolled K-12 and higher education institutions across the United States. The film presents the historical contexts of philanthropy and also contemporary issues while including various perspectives from well known figures and organizations. These figures and organizations will include: Alex Smith, quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs; Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa; Mike Farrell, Emmy-nominated star of M*A*S*H*; Nell Newman, President and co-founder of Newman’s Own Organics; Evelyn Lauder, of The Esteé Lauder Companies; and Civil Rights Leader Dr. William G. Anderson. 

“Philanthropy is not well understood by policy makers or the general public,” said Aaron Dorfman of the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy in a press release. “Film will help address that problem with a thorough and honest portrayal of the strengths and shortcomings of philanthropy.”

The film has been recognized by multiple institutions. It was part of the official selection of Asheville Film Selection 2014, the Barebones International Film and Music Festival 2014, Kingston Film Festival and the Queens World Film Festival. It was also a nominee for the best documentary in West Michigan in 2015 at the fourth annual Eclipse Awards.

“This film will effectively enhance our learning and practice of philanthropy,” said Paul Schervish from the Center on Wealth and Philanthropy at Boston College in the press release. 

Attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch with them to the documentary screening, as a meal will not be provided. Registration for the event and parking passes for the Johnson Center are available online.The event is free to attend. In addition to the screening and discussion of the documentary, attendees will be entered into a drawing for a free DVD copy of “What is Philanthropy?”

For more information or to register, visit www.johnsoncenter.org/event/special-two-hour-event-philanthropy-documentary-discussion/.