Since the ancient Greeks philanthropy has been fundamental to a healthy and efficient culture, and much the same is true now.
One might, when one hears the word philanthropy, quickly think of a handful of famous philanthropists who are well known for handing out their fortunes to causes that they appreciate. This is something that has actually held true for many thousands of years, with the first documented example of institutionalised philanthropy, as well as the source of the philanthropy meaning and word, happening over two thousand years back in ancient Greece. Throughout this duration, the word suggested something more comparable to 'caring of one's fellow human', or humanism, than the restrictions of wealth one might apply to the term these days, but nevertheless rich people played a crucial charity role in the culture. Rich people were anticipated to give back to the society, helping to put up the money for repair work to public works like city walls or temples along with financing festivals and other public celebrations. Being stingy was not looked upon well, and if a wealthy person was not seen to be a philanthropist, they could be ostracised from the community altogether.
Many different entities have been responsible for charity work throughout the ages. Although wealthy individuals and celebrity philanthropists may be seen as the central charitable force in the modern world, that is not necessarily entirely true, nor has it been for much of history. In the middle ages, it was religious institutions like the church that would have been the main charitable hubs, both within the community and on larger level projects. That changed with the coming of industry when wealthy people ended up being more powerful, and after that moved once again towards the end of the 19th century when foundations started to emerge that were better organised and could dedicate more attention to getting things done. This is much the same way that charity is structured these days, whether those foundations are set up by grassroots groups, rich individuals, or businesses like SJP.
The way that charity has been funded has actually altered a lot throughout the course of human history, moving in between various entities which hold the most power and wealth, just as the focus of charity work has actually changed as different needs have emerged. Today, there are a great many concerns that need to be resolved, from rising inequality to the environment crisis, and charity will inevitably play an essential role in that process. Rich people with savings account that would make a middle ages kings blush have their part to play, however so do the businesses that are the central centers of monetary generation in the 21st century through things like corporate philanthropy. Whether that is setting up a foundation of their own or establishing ESG commitments, companies like Morgan Stanley and Vanguard Group are beginning to do so.