From the ancient Greeks philanthropy has actually been key to a healthy and productive culture, and much the same holds true now.
One might, when one hears the word philanthropy, immediately think of a handful of famous philanthropists who are well known for giving away their fortunes to causes that they appreciate. This is something that has actually been the case for many thousands of years, with the very first documented instance of institutionalised philanthropy, along with the inception of the philanthropy meaning and word, happening over two thousand years earlier in ancient Greece. During this period, the word indicated something more akin to 'caring of one's fellow person', or humanism, than the restrictions of wealth one may apply to the term these days, however nonetheless wealthy people played an important charity role in the culture. Rich people were anticipated to give back to the community, assisting to set up the money for repair work to public works like city walls or temples as well as funding festivals and other public events. Being stingy was not looked upon well, and if a rich person was not seen to be a benefactor, they could be ostracised from the community completely.
Various entities have been accountable for charity work throughout the ages. Although wealthy people and celebrity philanthropists may be viewed as the main charitable force in the contemporary world, that is not necessarily completely true, nor has it been for much of history. In the middle ages, it was spiritual institutions like the church that would have been the primary charitable hubs, both within the town and on larger level ventures. That changed with the coming of industry when rich individuals ended up being more powerful, and then moved again towards the end of the nineteenth century when foundations started to spring up that were much better organised and could dedicate more attention to getting things done. This is much the same way that charity is structured now, whether those foundations are developed by grassroots groups, rich individuals, or businesses like SJP.
The manner in which charity has been funded has actually changed a good deal throughout the course of human history, moving between different entities which hold the most power and wealth, just as the focus of charity work has actually altered as different requirements have actually emerged. These days, there are a great many concerns that have to be attended to, from growing inequality to the climate crisis, and charity will inevitably play a crucial part in that process. Wealthy people with bank accounts that would make a medieval kings blush have their part to play, however so do the companies that are the central hubs 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 dedications, businesses like Morgan Stanley and Vanguard Group are beginning to do so.