Redefining Philanthropy Through Presence
Who will be tomorrow’s philanthropists?
When we think of philanthropy, we often think of dollars, donations, grants, and fundraisers. But as philanthropist Phil Schneider reminds us, true philanthropy extends far beyond money.
It’s about presence.
Every mentor who steps into a classroom is practicing philanthropy; sharing their time, energy, and belief in a student’s future. And in doing so, they’re modeling the heart of generosity.
Phil challenged us to think back to our own childhood classrooms, to the empty desks, to the students who weren’t there, day after day. For those children, philanthropy isn’t an abstract concept. It’s a mentor noticing when they show up. It’s encouragement to keep coming back
Something as simple as helping a student create a handmade gift can be transformative. Many of our students are used to being receivers, not givers. When they get to create and share a framed photo for a loved one or a note of kindness, they experience the joy of generosity themselves. That flips the script and teaches them the power of giving.
Philanthropy, then, is not about wealth. It’s about modeling kindness, encouraging consistency, and showing students the value of giving back.
And perhaps the most powerful lesson of all? All of these small acts, repeated consistently, ripple far beyond the classroom. To students, they are lessons for life.
Want to practice true philanthropy? Just Say YES to showing up for students.
About Phil: Phil Schneider is the Chief Executive Officer of BGR Packaging, a Cincinnati-based leader in packaging solutions. With a background in sales and executive leadership, including time at Cintas Corporation, Phil stepped into leadership at BGR in 2022 as President and now serves as CEO. He is known for his strategic vision, customer-first approach, and dedication to building strong teams. Beyond business, Phil is passionate about giving back to the community, and through BGR’s partnership with Adopt A Class. He champions mentoring as a way to inspire students and help them see their own potential