Here Srila Prabhupada explains the nature of real philanthropy and a real philanthropist in one of his Bhagavad-gita purports. It's a stark difference to the ordinary conception of "good for others." This philanthropy is for the soul. Even Bill Gates can't match that.
sarva-bhuta-sthitam yo mam
bhajaty ekatvam asthitah
sarvatha vartamano 'pi
sa yogi mayi vartate
He is a perfect yogi who, by comparison to his own self, sees the true equality of all beings, both in their happiness and distress, O Arjuna! (BG 6.33)
One who is Krsna conscious is a perfect yogi; he is aware of everyone's happiness and distress by dint of his own personal experience. The cause of the distress of a living entity is forgetfulness of his relationship with God. And the cause of happiness is knowing Krsna to be the supreme enjoyer of all the activities of the human being, the proprietor of all lands and planets, and the sincerest friend of all living entities. The perfect yogi knows that the living being who is conditioned by the modes of material nature is subjected to the threefold material miseries due to forgetfulness of his relationship with Krsna. Because one in Krsna consciousness is happy, he tries to distribute the knowledge of Krsna everywhere. Since he tries to broadcast the importance of becoming Krsna conscious, such a preacher is the best philanthropist in the world, and he is the dearest servitor of the Lord. Na ca tasman manusyesu kascin me priya-krttamah (Bg. 18.69). In other words, a devotee of the Lord always looks to the welfare of all living entities, and in this way he is factually equally disposed toward everyone. He is the best yogi because he does not desire perfection in yoga for his personal benefit, but tries for others also. He is not envious of any of his fellow living entities. Here is a contrast between a pure devotee of the Lord in Krsna consciousness and a yogi interested only in his personal elevation. The yogi who has withdrawn to a secluded place in order to perfect his meditation may not be as perfect as a devotee of the Lord who is trying his best, in various ways, to turn every man toward Krsna consciousness.
Srila Prabhupada—Bg 6.33
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