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What is philanthropy? Is it an outdated way for people who are very rich to try and ease their social conscience? Or is it essential in a world which can no longer count on the welfare state to provide support for those in need? Whatever the answer, attitudes are changing: private donations are increasing, there is a legislative and financial pool specifically for the needs of companies, there are new kinds of foundations, and numerous links between the world of philanthropists and that of the fair trade economy. All these associations help to resurrect a practice which comes in many forms and, having been regarded as suspect for a long time, now contributes efficiently to try to make the world a better place.