Donors

In the first centuries of imperial Roman rule, the rich were expected to subsidize local projects to better their communities. Therefore Roman citizens and only the very wealthy could afford to hold local government posts like the eponymous archonship. Besides being in government service, the wealthy were expected, as part of their duty to the state and their local communities, to subsidize services that were needed. These projects could range from erecting buildings to restoring crucial parts of the infrastructure.

Today's philanthropy is different, although it is still true that the rich ascend to the highest positions in government. Organizations can be philanthropic, but only give money to local governments, institutions and individuals through an application process, the grant. Corporations, legally considered to have the same rights as people, build stadiums and other popular institutions, which are then named after them. The rich still fund institutions that are usually named after them or have some part of the institution named for them. However, as part of their service to their local communities and the state, it is no longer expected that philanthropy is part of being rich.

Perhaps it should be.