Maggie Neilson is a founding member of the Center for Women & Democracy[11] and serves on the Board of Directors of Parent Revolution[12] and the New Board of Directors of the International Women`s Health Coalition. She spoke about feminism, philanthropy and technology at the South by Southwest 2014 interactive conference. [13] A third meaning of “global philanthropy” also seems to appear in the literature, although it is the most difficult to find of the three definitions proposed here. It is also the most daring. “Global philanthropy” refers to private initiatives for the common good that address the most difficult issues of our time and require concerted action by a number of actors around the world. This definition assumes that solving the most pressing problems facing our planet and its people requires joint action between a number of philanthropic actors from around the world, working together at several levels: local, national, transnational, regional and global. Such a philanthropic approach also requires cooperation with other sectors, including governments and the corporate sector, through public-private partnerships. Climate change is an obvious problem that requires concerted global action, but there are many others: environmental degradation, HIV/AIDS and other global health issues, food security, water security, global trade, population, peace, and more. In this space, philanthropy really goes beyond being “international” and becomes truly “global”.
Global philanthropy aims to reduce inequality in developing countries in many forms. Individual donations to the Red Cross for Disaster Relief are a manifestation of global philanthropy. The efforts of global foundations, usually based in the United States or Europe, to distribute grants in developing countries are another. And another area where we`re growing is the emergence and expansion of Indigenous philanthropy in developing countries. At Indiana University`s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the indices will continue to grow as key markers of global philanthropy, providing policymakers, philanthropic and nonprofit leaders, business leaders, news media, and the public with a clear understanding of the global philanthropic landscape. The 2013 Ebola outbreak, which spread rapidly in West Africa, also resulted in more than $155 million in funding to fight the pandemic. This highlights another trend in global philanthropy: on average, 65% of international donations support healthcare-related causes. Other trends show the enormous efforts made to combat not only health crises, but also inequalities. Many scholars, institutions and others are now pointing to the gap between rich and poor that threatens international peace and security. International granting through individual contributions has grown significantly over the past two decades, faster than domestic grants.
In 2014 alone, Americans donated $15.1 billion to international affairs, representing four percent of total donations. Data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development`s Official Development Assistance show that U.S. private philanthropy accounts for 17 per cent of net economic engagement with developing countries, equivalent to $37.5 billion. Launched in 2001 by President and co-founder Jane Wales in collaboration with prominent Silicon Valley philanthropists, the Forum is the first of its kind to bring together philanthropists interested in funding projects designed to make a global impact. Its members believe that individuals are not only able to promote human security, environmental responsibility and improved quality of life, but must do so. Cross-border grants exceed $800 billion a year thanks to philanthropy, official development assistance, remittances and private equity investment. The impact that charitable giving can have depends on the state of a country`s civil society, including the political, social, cultural and legal variables that shape its philanthropic environment. Philanthropy has been an aspect of human interaction and social practice over the centuries. Although it has taken many different forms and purposes and used different means, a philanthropic intent has been integral, enduring and beneficial to most religions, cultures and societies. Countries and cultures still reflect this diversity of types and modes of philanthropy, scope and funding targets.
In China, Feng Gang, a professor of sociology at Zhejiang University, felt the same way. “China has two problems in terms of philanthropy,” he said. “First, all Chinese philanthropic organizations are run by pro-government agencies. No institution can receive a donation without certain permits. And private philanthropic organizations are not allowed to operate. Secondly, many entrepreneurs who have experienced several corruption scandals are seriously concerned about the credibility of these agencies; They prefer to make an individual donation. The biggest challenge for Chinese philanthropy is to open it up to private organizations, with the government playing a management role, and to build trust between the different parties. A second definition of “global philanthropy,” which is very common in U.S.-based organizations, seems to define “global” in relation to one`s own country. According to these organizations, “global philanthropy” refers to grants from donors in a particular country for purposes outside that country. This philanthropy is mainly aimed at domestic organizations operating abroad or non-governmental organizations that are based and working abroad. Some of the issues raised are certainly of global importance – HIV/AIDS or climate change, for example.
However, according to this definition, philanthropy is only considered “global” if it is intentionally directed abroad. It`s important to note that this definition of “global philanthropy,” as widespread as it is in the United States, doesn`t work for everyone. For some, a subsidy awarded from one country to another does not fit into the overall calculation. It is certainly “international” since it affects two or more countries, but it is not “global” which implies several countries or the planet as a whole. While the Global Philanthropy Forum, to name just one user of the term, may call itself “global” because its participants donate together around the world, what its members primarily treat is best described to some as “international philanthropy.” In general, traditional customs around the world suggest that philanthropy is associated with community care, giving, and support. What does this mean for the fight against global inequalities? Philanthropic activities in the Global South mean that new institutions and initiatives are created to do just that. Africa has an ever-increasing number of foundations created by wealthy individuals, former heads of state, professional athletes, musicians and other celebrities, raising hopes that in the long run, more resources can be mobilized from local capacities. An inspiring example comes from Sudan, where Mo Ibrahim used part of his fortune from the sale of Celtel, a mobile phone company, to create a foundation focused on good governance, poverty eradication and promoting development. In addition, I encourage you to read some of my previous articles on the foundations of foundation and philanthropy careers, but also the Schott Foundation`s book “How to Get a Job in Philanthropy” (schottfoundation.org/blog/2017/08/21/how-get-job-philanthropy), written by Edgar Villanueva, Vice President of Programs and Advocacy. In short, global philanthropy aims to reduce inequality in developing countries in many forms. Whenever there is an international crisis, whether due to extremists, economic upheaval, natural disasters or political turbulence, many people and organizations enthusiastically donate and donate their resources using a variety of leveraged capital and giving mechanisms.
Many of our department`s clients have always been based outside the United States, and they have come to us with an interest in building their community of giving across borders and connecting people based on their passions, interests, and desire for impact.