On 20 June 2023, Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) announced the selection of eight non-profit organisations (NPOs) across South Asia, South East Asia, and North East Asia, to receive funding as part of the highly-anticipated Asia Gender Equality Fund, marking AVPN’s commitment to fostering trust-based philanthropy in Asia.

The Asia Gender Equality Fund is an AVPN initiative supported by Fondation Chanel, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The Target Foundation, and members of AVPN’s Asia Gender Network, and will raise and utilise $25 million in funding within the next five years to support NPO initiatives and solutions focusing on improving economic outcomes for women and girls in Asia.

‘At AVPN, we want to advance equality in Asia and propel the region closer to a fairer and more inclusive society while honouring our commitment in trust-based philanthropy. Through the Asia Gender Equality Fund, we strive to amplify the impact of local impact organisations across Asia who are working towards improved economic outcomes for girls and women in marginalised and underserved communities’ said Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO, AVPN.

Following the announcement, which was made at the AVPN Global Conference 2023, the selected NPOs will receive flexible, multi-year funding to drive innovation and promote women’s economic empowerment across the Asian region, with the NPOs having clearly identified how this funding will be utilised to support their work in advancing the economic empowerment of women and girls in Asia.

The NPOs selected by AVPN to receive funding through this initiative are:

• Azad Foundation (India)
• Badabon Sangho (Bangladesh)
• dZi Foundation (Nepal)
• Enrich Hong Kong
• Kenan Foundation Asia (Thailand)
• Korea Social Investment Foundation
• Nomi Network (Cambodia)
• Sindh Community Foundation (Pakistan)

Each of these organisations works to enable women and girls to rebuild their lives and break free from cycles of exploitation, ultimately contributing to a brighter future for girls and women across Asia.

Batra went on to add, ‘at its core, trust-based philanthropy recognises that local impact organisations are usually closest to the issues and communities being served. They are often in the best position to decide where resources are needed most and possess the expertise and drive to effect change. We call on more funders to embrace trust-based philanthropy and support the next phase of this transformative fund.’

AVPN is the largest network of social investors in Asia, comprising over 600 diverse members across 33 markets. Its mission is to increase the flow and effectiveness of financial, human, and intellectual capital in Asia by enabling members to channel resources towards impact.

Simon Hungin is a freelance writer that supports Alliance magazine.