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In developing a philosophy, fundraisers must also consider philanthropic traditions and practices beyond their direct experiences. Philanthropy is not only an American phenomenon and celebrating its international and cultural forms is a key philanthropic role: fostering pluralism. It is a part of every culture across time and place, often in unique ways that must be considered for a full understanding of philanthropy (Illchman et al. 1998) (see Chapter 9).

Indigenous people, for example, practiced philanthropy before Europeans arrived in North America. Traditions of giving and receiving vary among tribal groups but share principles, including the idea that gifts are constantly in motion. A philosophy of fundraising might be informed by another important aspect of Native American philanthropy, the gift exchange relationship: “Giving by one individual to another honors the recipient, and by receiving the gift with grace and gratitude, the recipient in turn honors the giver since the act of receiving the gift helps restore balance in the life of the giver” (Burlingame 2004, 336–337).