The phenomenon of secular interests taking over “good works” from religious groups has gone on for centuries. Once governments understood the benefits of an educated population, for example, they began taking over the education function from religious institutions for much of the population, offering free schooling for all children. Social security and other programs that aid the less well-off have increased consumer purchasing power when citizens were lifted out of poverty, gaining favor with some economists.

Now corporations have entered the picture.

“Philanthropy Meets the Market,” an article in The World in 2014, published by The Economist, predicts that corporations will invest more in goods works, such as improving water quality. From enlightened self-interest, certain corporations (i.e., soft drink companies) understand that world markets must have access to safe water. As populations grow and use more water not only for drinking but for agriculture, water supplies become endangered. Corporations now pay for activities like digging wells for fresh water. Until recently, charitable and religious groups led in this kind of work.

Those who wish to do good, however, expect to find plenty to do. No doubt enough need exists to keep all comers busy for some time.