Neither does America's approach to philanthropy. Yet, only an estimated 5 percent of giving yet falls in this category. Hence, creating self-reliance is predictably difficult. Therein lies the tragedy. The very approach creates dependency.
Venture philanthropy is different from mainline philanthropy in at least four ways.
Far from that between a donor who gives and a recipient who receives, this relationship is more akin to a partnership, in which all parties have a mutual interest in success. The relationship is built on equality, not on dependency. Systems for aggregating evidence of performance against which the investment will be held accountable are critical. Finally, it drives toward sustainability. Just as no entrepreneur works 70 hours each week in order to create something that cannot last, so the venture philanthropist seeks sustainable initiatives, seeks to support programs and organizations which demonstrate their own commitment to survival without philanthropy.