Charlize Theron, the Oscar-winning actress, known not only for her on-screen roles but also for her commitment to philanthropy, recently shared insights into her charitable journey at the prestigious Town & Country Philanthropy Summit in Manhattan. The event, celebrating its 10th anniversary, brought together some of the most influential voices in philanthropy to discuss the evolving landscape of giving and how individuals can make a meaningful impact.
Theron reflected on a pivotal moment that inspired her to deepen her involvement in philanthropy. During a conversation with community leaders in her homeland of South Africa about the AIDS epidemic, she heard a recurring sentiment: “We know what to do, but we just need the resources to do it.” This realization struck a chord, leading her to create the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) in 2007. The organization aims to provide much-needed resources to those already working on the ground to combat the AIDS epidemic, while also addressing issues of gender equity. “Our philosophy is always to listen to the communities and let them tell us what they need,” Theron explained, emphasizing a collaborative approach.
The Growing Role of Philanthropy
The summit, hosted by Town & Country magazine, which has a long history of covering philanthropy since its founding in 1846, highlighted how philanthropy is not just about writing checks. It’s about taking action and engaging with communities to address pressing issues. Stellene Volandes, the editor-in-chief of Town & Country, emphasized that the role of philanthropists is evolving. “Philanthropy, for me, comes down to a very simple question: ‘What can I do?’,” she said, adding that the act of giving signifies hope and a belief in the ability to make the world better.
Volandes pointed out that philanthropy has shifted from the age of anonymous donors to an era where giving is more public and newsworthy. “Who is giving? How much are they giving? Who’s getting their name on the building?” she noted, reflecting on how the visibility of philanthropy has grown in the public eye since the summit’s inception in 2013.
One key change in recent years is the growing diversity in how people contribute to society. Philanthropists are not only those with immense wealth; they are also people who volunteer their time, share their expertise, and advocate for social causes. The aim now, Volandes said, is to inspire and activate as many people as possible to get involved in whatever way they can.
Philanthropy and Government: Working Together
Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, another prominent speaker at the summit, echoed this sentiment by stressing the importance of collaboration between government and philanthropy. Drawing from his experience with his nonprofit After-School All-Stars, which provides support to students and families across the U.S., he discussed how philanthropy can step in where government support is lacking. “Your political philosophy falls apart right in front of you,” Schwarzenegger said. He admitted that his Republican ideals sometimes conflicted with the reality of children needing more support from the government, but he realized that cooperation between both sectors is necessary to create lasting change.
A Push for Justice Over Generosity
One of the summit’s most powerful messages came from Darren Walker, the president of the Ford Foundation, who quoted Martin Luther King Jr.: “Philanthropy is commendable, but it should not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary.” Walker urged philanthropists to go beyond acts of generosity and focus on addressing systemic issues, such as economic inequality, which contribute to the need for charity in the first place.
Walker highlighted a concerning trend in the U.S. where growing inequality is leading to fewer middle-class donors. “One of the trends we should be concerned about in our country is the growing level of inequality,” Walker said, pointing out that middle-class Americans are donating less, which could impact the sustainability of nonprofits. A report by Giving USA released earlier this year supports this claim, showing that total giving in 2022 fell for only the fourth time in four decades, and fewer Americans are donating overall.
The Gender Gap in Philanthropy
Another important topic discussed at the summit was the role of women in philanthropy. According to the 2023 Bank of America Study of Philanthropy, affluent households (those with a net worth of more than $1 million or an annual income of over $200,000) are increasing their donations, with women playing a significant role. Women in these households are more likely to volunteer and influence giving decisions than men, but there remains a gap when it comes to leadership roles in nonprofit organizations.
Una Osili, the lead researcher for the study, pointed out that while women are making strides in philanthropic contributions, they are underrepresented in nonprofit governance. “There seems to be a gap in terms of leadership opportunities for women in nonprofits at a time when our society is concerned with equity and bringing diverse voices to the table,” she said.
Theron, who has long been an advocate for gender equity, spoke about how her Africa Outreach Project focuses on empowering women and girls, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic set back progress by at least a decade. “It’s been proven that economies rise instantly when females step into leadership,” Theron said. “That’s one of the biggest ways to solve some of the biggest problems that we have in South Africa. That’s another reason why I really believe in female empowerment.”
A Future of Hope and Action
As the summit concluded, it was clear that the world of philanthropy is undergoing significant changes. While the challenges are immense—ranging from inequality to gender inequity to systemic injustice—there remains a strong sense of hope among leaders like Charlize Theron and others who are actively engaged in making the world a better place. Their message was simple but profound: Anyone can make a difference, no matter how large or small the contribution. It’s about finding a way to help and turning that desire into action.
With Theron’s inspiring words and the growing movement toward a more engaged and justice-focused form of philanthropy, the future of giving looks both promising and transformative. As more people take up the mantle of service, the hope is that we can collectively work to build a more equitable, compassionate, and just world.
Charlize Theron’s Journey into Philanthropy: A Focus on Community-Led Solutions and Gender Equity
Charlize Theron’s involvement in philanthropy began with a powerful realization during her early work in South Africa. While discussing ways to tackle the AIDS epidemic with local community leaders, she heard them say: “We know what to do, but we just need the resources to do it.” This moment marked a turning point for Theron. It became clear that her role in philanthropy could be to help provide the necessary resources to those already doing the work on the ground. Motivated by this understanding, she founded the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) in 2007. Her goal was to empower grassroots organizations, particularly those addressing the AIDS epidemic and gender equity in South Africa.
Main Goals of the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project
The CTAOP’s mission is to support community-driven efforts that aim to improve the health, safety, and education of young people, especially young women, in South Africa. The organization recognizes the critical role that local communities play in addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis and focuses on providing resources to initiatives that already have a deep understanding of the needs on the ground. The project has since expanded to tackle issues like gender equity and safety, particularly for young girls, whose education and future prospects have been severely impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Theron emphasizes a philosophy of listening to communities and working in collaboration with them. Instead of imposing outside solutions, the CTAOP’s approach is to respond to the needs that community leaders articulate themselves. This ensures that efforts are more sustainable and rooted in local contexts.
The Evolution of the Town & Country Philanthropy Summit
The Town & Country Philanthropy Summit has evolved significantly since it began in 2013. Initially launched at a time when philanthropy was becoming increasingly visible and public, the summit focused on highlighting the people behind the donations and the causes they supported. According to Stellene Volandes, editor-in-chief of Town & Country, the summit emerged at a pivotal time when the age of the “anonymous donor” was coming to an end. People wanted to know who was giving, how much, and where their money was going.
In its early days, the summit highlighted large-scale philanthropy, often focusing on wealthy donors and their contributions to high-profile causes. Over time, however, the event has shifted toward a broader and more inclusive understanding of philanthropy, recognizing that anyone can be a philanthropist, regardless of their wealth. Volandes now defines philanthropy as answering the question, “What can I do?” This shift reflects a growing awareness that volunteering time, sharing skills, and advocating for causes can be just as impactful as writing large checks.
Successful Examples of Philanthropy Mentioned at the Summit
Several successful philanthropic efforts were showcased during the summit, each highlighting the power of community collaboration and innovative approaches to solving societal issues. Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger shared the success of his nonprofit, After-School All-Stars, which provides critical support to students and families across the United States. His program serves as an example of philanthropy stepping in to fill gaps where government support falls short. He spoke about the importance of cooperation between government and philanthropy, explaining that societal problems often require a combined effort to resolve.
Another notable example came from Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, who highlighted the importance of philanthropy moving beyond simple acts of generosity to address deeper issues of economic and social justice. Walker referenced Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, stressing that philanthropy should not overlook the root causes of economic inequality, which often make charity necessary in the first place. Walker called for a more justice-oriented approach, urging philanthropists to consider how they can help create systemic change rather than just treating symptoms.
How Community Leaders in South Africa Are Contributing to AIDS Efforts
In South Africa, community leaders play a vital role in fighting the AIDS epidemic. These leaders are often the first point of contact for those affected by HIV/AIDS and work directly within their communities to provide education, healthcare, and support services. Their deep understanding of the local context enables them to tailor interventions to the specific needs of their communities, whether it’s through awareness campaigns, testing initiatives, or providing treatment options.
The Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project supports these efforts by offering financial resources and strategic guidance, but always defers to the expertise of those working on the ground. This approach ensures that the work remains relevant, culturally appropriate, and impactful. Community leaders often focus on prevention strategies, particularly among youth, and work to address the social determinants of health, such as poverty, gender inequality, and lack of education, that exacerbate the HIV/AIDS crisis.
By empowering these leaders, the CTAOP helps to strengthen existing efforts and amplify the impact of local programs, allowing them to reach more people and have a more significant effect on the epidemic.
The Future of Philanthropy: A Call to Action
As the Town & Country Philanthropy Summit concluded, a clear message resonated: philanthropy is evolving, and everyone can play a part. Whether it’s through large donations, grassroots efforts, or simply volunteering time, there is a role for every individual in making the world a better place. For Theron, philanthropy is not just about giving money; it’s about actively listening to the needs of communities and working together to create lasting change.
With leaders like Charlize Theron at the forefront, and the continued evolution of platforms like the Town & Country Philanthropy Summit, the future of philanthropy is one of hope, action, and justice.
In the fight against HIV, partnerships between community leaders and government agencies have played a crucial role in advancing prevention, treatment, and awareness efforts. Here are some notable ways these collaborations have come together to fight the HIV epidemic, particularly in regions like South Africa, where the disease has had a significant impact:
1. Public-Private Partnerships
Many government health agencies have teamed up with community-led organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to provide comprehensive care and resources for HIV prevention and treatment. These partnerships often involve the distribution of antiretroviral therapies (ARTs) and the provision of healthcare infrastructure, particularly in under-resourced communities. For example, South Africa’s government has worked with organizations like the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project (CTAOP) to support local efforts that address HIV/AIDS through education, health services, and gender equity programs.
2. Global Funding Initiatives
International partnerships between community groups and government entities have been pivotal in the global HIV response. For instance, organizations like The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria often collaborate with local governments and grassroots organizations to fund HIV programs. These partnerships support testing, prevention strategies, and treatment, often with a specific focus on reaching the most vulnerable populations, including women and young people.
3. National Strategic Plans
Governments in countries severely affected by HIV have developed National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plans that integrate the work of community leaders into the broader public health strategy. For example, South Africa’s National Department of Health frequently works with community organizations to implement its National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB, and STIs. This includes rolling out prevention campaigns, promoting condom use, facilitating widespread access to HIV testing, and enhancing education efforts in schools and communities.
4. Partnerships with the United Nations
Collaborations between local community leaders and global organizations like UNAIDS (the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) have been instrumental in addressing the epidemic at both national and local levels. These partnerships emphasize advocacy, education, and raising awareness about HIV prevention. For instance, UNAIDS works closely with South African community leaders to help meet the 90-90-90 targets, which aim for 90% of people living with HIV to know their status, 90% of those diagnosed to be on ART, and 90% of those on treatment to achieve viral suppression.
5. Health Systems Strengthening Programs
Government agencies often partner with community-based health organizations to strengthen local health systems. This collaboration helps expand access to medical services, particularly in rural or underserved areas. In South Africa, government programs such as PEPFAR (the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) have partnered with local health providers and community organizations to offer HIV services that are responsive to the needs of specific populations, such as young women and adolescent girls.
6. Gender-Focused Initiatives
Recognizing that women and girls are disproportionately affected by HIV, some government-community partnerships focus on gender equity as a critical aspect of HIV prevention. Programs such as DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe), an initiative funded by PEPFAR, partner with local organizations to address the unique challenges that young women face in HIV prevention. These programs also offer support services that tackle gender-based violence, which is often linked to higher HIV infection rates.
7. Educational Campaigns
Governments collaborate with community leaders to design and implement HIV education campaigns aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging people to get tested. These campaigns are often delivered in schools, clinics, and community centers. In many cases, community leaders are trained as peer educators to spread awareness and provide guidance on prevention and treatment options, particularly to marginalized groups who may be less likely to access mainstream healthcare services.
8. Mobile Health Clinics
To reach remote communities, government health departments and community organizations have worked together to deploy mobile clinics offering HIV testing, counseling, and treatment. These mobile clinics help ensure that people living in rural or underserved areas have access to life-saving HIV care. They also provide a platform for community engagement, allowing health workers to educate locals about prevention and safe practices.
Conclusion
The success of the fight against HIV largely hinges on the collaboration between government agencies and community leaders. These partnerships leverage the strengths of both formal health systems and local knowledge, creating a more holistic and sustainable approach to tackling the epidemic. By working together, they not only improve access to treatment and prevention but also foster education and reduce stigma, helping to bring communities closer to achieving long-term goals in the fight against HIV.
