Philanthropy is an investment in the future generation: Frank Islam

Frank Islam’s speech at the American Bazaar Philanthropy Dialogue.

By The American Bazaar Staff

WASHINGTON, DC: Indian American entrepreneur and philanthropist Frank Islam said philanthropy is an investment in the future generation.

Speaking at the inaugural American Bazaar Philanthropy Dialogue on Saturday, Islam said, “I do not make [philanthropic] contributions as charity but as investments.  I expect a return on them.  The return is good work and good deeds.”

Islam, founder and chairman of the Washington area-based FI Investment Group, said that to him “that future rests with the next generation and that is why most of the contributions” that he makes go to “to support institutions, organizations and individuals who are committed to education and making America and the world a better and safer place.”

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“My fondest hope and expectation is that in the future there will be persons in whom I have made investments who will make similar investments in others,” he said. “When that happens, it will make my investments sustainable and an ongoing source for renewing and replenishing the American dream.”

He also said that “philanthropy is not just for billionaires, millionaires or the wealthy. It is an egalitarian province for anyone of any means who wants to contribute and make a difference for themselves and others by giving. Indian Americans at all levels of financial accomplishment can and should be involved.”

Islam was one of the many prominent speakers who addressed the Bazaar Philanthropy Dialogue. A number of philanthropic organization, among them the American India Foundation, Pratham, Ekal Vidyala, Sehgal Foundation, JKH Foundation, Upakar and Utsav were part of the Dialogue.

One of the highlights of the day was the American Bazaar Philanthropy Lecture by prominent Indian American philanthropist and technology leader Desh Deshpande.