Event discusses the role and formation of philanthropic networks in the country at a time of worsening health and economic crisis
Brazil experienced a boom in donations in the early stages of the new coronavirus pandemic in 2020. About two months after the start of the crisis, the amounts allocated to donations exceeded historical annual records – in other words, never before had so much been donated as at the beginning of the health and economic crisis associated with the pandemic.
At the end of May 2020, the growth in the volume of money given to philanthropy began to slow down and has practically stagnated since then, according to data from the Donations Monitor of the Brazilian Association of Fundraising Professionals.
R$ 6.73 billion has been donated in Brazil since the beginning of the pandemic until the beginning of April 2021, according to the Donations Monitor of the Brazilian Association of Fundraising Professionals.
In 2021, Brazil experienced the worst moment of the health crisis, while simultaneously facing a persistent economic recession. This worsening scenario once again highlighted the inequality in the country and the social vulnerability of a considerable portion of the Brazilian population.
In this context, the Bem Maior Movement – which brings together businesspeople who participate in philanthropic actions – organized the debate “Dialogues: the responsibility of philanthropy today” to discuss the role of private social investments in Brazil, whether during the pandemic or in the post-pandemic period. The event, held on Tuesday (6), was moderated by Paula Miraglia, general director of Nexo.
Neca Setubal, president of the boards of Gife (Group of Institutes, Foundations and Companies) and the Tide Setubal Foundation, spoke about the urgency of social actions at the present moment, given the fragile and socially vulnerable situation in which many Brazilians find themselves. “The role of philanthropy in the very short term is food security. Philanthropy needs to coordinate campaigns in this short-term moment to mobilize society as a whole – companies, the public sector – in this urgent situation of hunger,” she stated.
Setubal also highlighted the mission of consolidating a culture of giving in Brazil, so that this solidarity movement does not end with the pandemic. For her, this involves strengthening the connections between different sectors of civil society, which need to be driven by dialogue with those at the grassroots level of philanthropic actions. In other words, it is necessary to consider the perspective of organizations and individuals close to the communities that will be helped. Setubal also reinforced the importance of companies acting and taking a stand on important contemporary issues, such as inequality, climate change, and the defense of democracy.
“No single sector or organization will be able to face the magnitude of the crisis we are experiencing alone. This coordination within and between sectors is fundamental for philanthropy to consolidate itself in Brazilian society today.”
Neca Setubal , president of the boards of Gife (Group of Institutes, Foundations and Companies) and the Tide Setubal Foundation.
Eugênio Mattar, CEO of Localiza and co-founder of the Bem Maior Movement, spoke about the importance of encouraging philanthropic practices as a way to develop a culture of solidarity in Brazil. According to Mattar, donating and giving up resources has a cost, but it can and should be viewed from the perspective of the positive return – which, according to him, has the potential to become a passion.
The businessman stated that more important than practicing philanthropy itself – which he defined as donating money, time, or even advice to help another person – the act of giving has a powerful dimension: setting an example, which helps mobilize other agents and create a network of social engagement.
"As citizens, we can all practice philanthropy – from the humblest person to the most powerful person."
Eugênio Mattar , CEO of Localiza and co-founder of the Bem Maior Movement.
Also participating in the event was Gustavo Montezano, president of BNDES (National Bank for Economic and Social Development), who said he sees room for a partnership between the public and private sectors and the third sector. “When we talk about philanthropy, we talk about development. Therefore, it is the role of BNDES and public agents to leverage [philanthropy] and to leverage philanthropy, developing the culture and strengthening the market,” he stated.
According to Montezano, this articulation is favored by the incorporation of development principles into companies' objectives. This is because companies are increasingly moving away from solely focusing on financial goals, and are also pursuing social and environmental returns. According to the president of BNDES, these shared development goals justify the closer relationship between public agents and the philanthropy sector, and what he called the "ecosystem of volunteering.".
"Leveraging the public sector with the private sector – and not the public sector versus the private sector – is what will build Brazil's new socio-environmental growth agenda."
Gustavo Montezano , president of BNDES (National Bank for Economic and Social Development)
Benjamin Bellegy, executive director of Wings, an international network promoting philanthropy, stated that consolidating a culture of philanthropy in Brazil requires broad participation from different sectors of society. “When we think of philanthropy, the first image that always comes to mind is Bill Gates. But if you look at the data, the vast majority of donations worldwide come from the middle and lower classes – more than from corporations or the wealthy,” he said.
Bellengy, therefore, argued that the Brazilian philanthropic network should grow by exploring the great potential of civil society agents, beyond companies and the highest income brackets. He also said that the expansion of philanthropy in Brazil requires a change in mentality, with less risk aversion in social investments and greater incorporation of issues sensitive to Brazilian society, such as the defense of human rights.
"The focus should be on building a culture of giving within the population, at all levels: in the middle class, the upper-middle class, and also at the community level."
Benjamin Bellegy , executive director of Wings, an international network promoting philanthropy.
The event also featured opening remarks and comments from Carola Matarazzo, executive director of the Bem Maior Movement. Matarazzo stated that Brazilian philanthropy needs to be conducted with the intended impact on a community in mind, and should not be limited to return metrics.
The closing remarks were given by Rubens Menin, president of MRV and CNN Brasil, and co-founder of the Bem Maior Movement. The businessman reinforced the importance of philanthropy as a way to reduce inequalities in Brazil, and said that the potential return on private social investments “is enormous”.
This text was originally published on the NEXO JORNAL ; click here to access the article.
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