Philanthropic efforts strive to eradicate the vast array of social issues capable of having such an adverse impact on people all over the world, creating critical opportunities for those who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities. Providing access to these kinds of opportunities benefits all of society, some of which are the direct product of philanthropy while still other philanthropic efforts reap indirect societal rewards.
In order to address the issues faced by many inner-city residents, philanthropists have developed a wide range of programs that have proven quite effective in promoting social change through increased access to opportunity. The following three ideas represent just a small sampling of the simple ways philanthropists can contribute to solving the complex issues often associated with inner cities, and it is worth noting that there are certainly a number of other ways in which philanthropic efforts can be implemented throughout inner cities for the betterment of society at large.
Expand the Availability of Seed Grants
The most effective solutions often come directly from the creativity of those who have personally endured the effects of a particular situation or circumstance, which is why seed grants remain an especially effective philanthropic measure. Inner-city community members have repeatedly demonstrated a unique ability to identify and develop solutions to the issues they might encounter, and a seed grant provides these individuals and organizations with the support necessary to put a concept into practice.
The Pollination Project is an excellent example of how seed grants can be instrumental in stimulating social change in communities all over the world, and this philanthropic model can be applied quickly and easily to address any issues plaguing inner city residents.
Address Hunger Through Philanthropic Support of Food Banks and Other Programs
Persistent hunger can have a devastating impact that is difficult to overcome, and the issue of persistent hunger is all too common in many inner cities. Without access to a consistently available nutritional resource, every aspect of daily life is affected in a substantial way. Adults affected by hunger have difficulty completing their daily work responsibilities, and children will find it difficult to perform to their best of their abilities in school. It is in this way that persistent hunger creates a self-perpetuating cycle that is nearly impossible to break without any outside assistance.
Inner city food banks are a critical resource for individuals dealing with persistent hunger, and it is through philanthropic giving that these food banks are able to continue to serve the communities in which they are located. Organizations like Feeding America are hard at work in addressing hunger-related issues, so philanthropists should consider supporting the diverse efforts of those working toward a solution to hunger in the inner cities.
Clean Water and Land Conservation Projects
It is hard to fathom that access to clean water is not guaranteed in many inner cities, and it is well known that contaminated drinking water can have significant and lifelong health consequences. Through the philanthropic support of land conservation and clean water efforts, it is far more likely that inner city communities will be able to access clean drinking water sourced from uncontaminated waterways.
Additional attention to the quality of the existing infrastructure systems is necessary, and even though infrastructure issues are the responsibility of public works, philanthropic giving can still direct resources toward generating greater awareness of any issues that might be affecting inner city communities.