Would you donate to a charity that won’t pay out for centuries?

Abstract

Charity initiatives that aim to safeguard humanity’s distant future by investing funds for future generations and ensuring the longevity of philanthropic efforts are gaining traction. These initiatives, known as “Patient Philanthropy Funds,” are controversial due to their long-term payouts and the inherent preference for immediate over future problems. Supporters argue that these funds can mitigate short-sightedness in philanthropy and government policies, enabling interventions during critical moments of need. However, critics contend that neglecting current pressing issues, such as poverty and global health, is unethical. These initiatives raise questions about the appropriate balance between addressing immediate and long-term societal challenges – AI-generated abstract.