YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – This edition of The Business Journal includes the publication’s annual focus on philanthropy and foundations, in advance of National Philanthropy Day, which is celebrated Nov. 13.

It is an important reminder of the role that philanthropic giving plays in the fabric of our society. This year, local honorees include small business owners, volunteer groups, a local minister and a college student.  

While philanthropy might often be associated with a donor handing over a big check, every contribution counts. As Kyle English, executive director of the Community Foundation of Western PA & Eastern OH, says, “Every dollar makes a difference.” 

And philanthropy doesn’t always mean money. It can be time and effort. Last year, 400-some volunteers donated 4,000-plus hours to help Habitat for Humanity of Mahoning Valley build homes, providing opportunities to individuals for whom home ownership seemed out of reach.

The honorees often aren’t comfortable with the spotlight but recognize the value of providing an example for others.     

This edition also highlights the work done by area foundations – some more than a century old.

Distributing funds to worthwhile organizations and causes – from fighting hunger and domestic abuse to supporting scholarship and economic and community development – are just part of their work. Often, they are engaged in the work of building capacity, leadership development and showing nonprofit organizations ways to operate more effectively. 

As Paige Fortner, who is co-chairing this year’s National Philanthropy Day awards celebration, says, the needs of those who lack food, shelter or the services they need aren’t met without someone giving what they have.

“That starts with someone being generous and willing to donate and to give,” she reflects.

Sometimes that generosity is driven by someone who has received help in the past and wants to give back or someone who has done well in life and wants to share that abundance.

Ultimately it comes down to wanting to make the world – or at least a small part of it – a better place.