Giving is Giving Part 2

By Karen Friedman

Yesterday, we discussed some of the philanthropic philosophical differences between America and Spain. Today we share some more observations.

A major entity here is the socialist government.  It is a strong source of social support with its powerful public health system, pension plans, and local public sports-cultural facilities.  In Spain, we don’t see the various committees at museums and schools to organize events like we do so often in the USA. Here, government funding reaches far into the local communities and offers help to people.  City programs for recycling are becoming ever more present and children are taught in school the importance of helping the environment. There are major subsidies for cultural centers, public sports facilities, schools, and medical centers.

Finally, the family has a tremendous influence on the society here. In the past, families were often very numerous, though now the average family is just 3-4 people.  In Spain, the family bonds are strong and people tend to live near their family. So many times, the concept of giving back is actually demonstrated in a “normal” manner of taking care of your family - caring for your grandparents or disabled family member, passing on used items to siblings or cousins, collecting funds among family members to help another family member, and other more personal and direct acts of giving.  

Cortijo Park in Marbella, Spain

These are cultural differences in giving back.  However this is changing, slowly.  Religion is diversified and devotion to the Catholic church has changed.  Today, Spain is a diverse, multi-cultural society including millions of immigrants who do not have their own family to rely upon.   Also nowadays career paths often involve transferring to another city leaving behind the traditional support of family.   

The government role is critical to facilitate help getting to the people and places it is needed. People are aware of this and are increasingly opting to make a small donation with their tax returns. Also, many more non-profit organizations operate here than in decades past, trying to satisfy the growing, larger needs of the society. There are also many non-profits that focus internationally yet are funded mostly by Spaniards.  

A main difference with the USA is that here the “giving back” comes more from the heart in more personal arenas rather than a larger desire to give back to society or from a well-orchestrated philanthropic effort. One opportunity for growth here is to instill in younger generations that we all can give back personally and it requires our time and effort.  It is needed. And it matters.

The Spaniards have always given back and are empathetic people.  They give generously from their heart.  The culture here breathes a genuine compassion for others.  The power of giving back has many faces. 

Do you have experiences in foreign countries regarding philanthropy? How does it differ or compare with giving in the USA? Please leave us a comment!