In light of Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory, the "giving season" can be seen more in terms of helping those in need deal with the challenges they face every day – physiological health and safety being the two most basic of those – than in lighting up the faces of children inspecting what Santa left them under the tree.
Of course, there is no paucity of appeals from social-service agencies this time of year, and there is no question that whatever people can give is greatly appreciated by those agencies trying to fill the needs of the less fortunate.
But according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Rhode Island ranks near the bottom of the states for giving. The issue has been noted for years by the Rhode Island Foundation, which helps direct philanthropic efforts of individual endowments it manages while making its own investments in the region's social and economic health.
But in a pilot program the foundation unveiled earlier this month, President and CEO Neil D. Steinberg set a goal of building "a culture of philanthropy by increasing giving activity and engagement among more Rhode Islanders."
The Giving Circles initiative hopes to tap into Rhode Islanders' own networks to create a more durable giving culture by offering financial support but also manpower and office space to help these philanthropic Johnny Appleseeds move the state forward.
It is a gift from the foundation to its home, and one can only hope it is received in the spirit in which it was given. •