Explain the difference between gifts of mercy and gifts of excellence.  Provide one example that justifies each type of gift (respond in 100-150 words).


Example 1:

Gifts of mercy and gifts of excellence are two different approaches to philanthropy, each with their own goals and purposes. Gifts of mercy are typically given in response to immediate needs, such as disasters or emergencies. An example of a gift of mercy would be donating funds to a disaster relief organization to provide food, water, and medical supplies to those affected by a natural disaster. Gifts of excellence, on the other hand, are typically given to support specific organizations or institutions that promote excellence in a particular field. An example of a gift of excellence would be donating funds to a university to establish a research center focused on developing new treatments for a particular disease.


Example 2:

Gifts of mercy and gifts of excellence can be thought of as occupying different parts of a hierarchy of needs. Whereas gifts of mercy address more basic or ‘fundamental’ needs, gifts of excellence aim to advance ‘higher’ needs that require a stable foundation to pursue. For example, volunteering at a soup kitchen to provide hungry people with a warm meal shows how a gift of mercy can help to stave off hunger and keep someone alive for another day. In contrast, providing scholarships for people to go to college is a gift of excellence that can do great good in the world—say, for instance, if that individual goes on to be a doctor and saves many lives.

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