Synthesis about Philantropy

Philantropy is the provision of financial and material resources for different kind of institutions.
Before the Poor Law in 1601, kings and wealthy were used to give to poor money, thinking that good works would save their soul after death. So over time Churches increased their position in society, becoming the most important promoter of philantropy. Soul salvation was not the only interest of wealthy, but they also had a social and emotional boost.
During the Victorian Age philantropy good works increased with the creation of many foundations. In this period it was not only a Church business but also civil one and they united their powers to take care about poor: donations were made by the upper class and the middle one. The issue of poor conditions was also embodied into laws and also social science was involved to solve these problems.
Also in this period charity was considered a way to save the soul after death; even if religious component was important, philantropy did not exclusively depend on it.
Also women reached an important role in taking care about poor: thanks to compulsory education they had been able to reach an higher education, becoming a dangerous element in society for men. So their potential was directed by men to charity, because it was considered the natural extension of women's maternal qualities. Evangelism expansion really contributed to new women's role in society and they were also used to organize parties and banquets to raise funds for their organizations.