What is the future of giving worldwide?
The Future of Philanthropy is here
How do we realise the full potential of a more strategically directed philanthropy to drive large scale social change? Can philanthropy collaborate more effectively with both government and business to solve hard problems? Do we need better data, analysis and – ultimately – leadership to fulfil philanthropy’s potential?
About the report
Commissioned by Emirati philanthropist Badr Jafar, the Future of Philanthropy report shines new light on the future of giving worldwide.
The Future of Philanthropy report includes:
- Review of progress on the expected trends since a companion 2018 report
- Identifies newly emerging trends in light of the intervening variable of the Covid pandemic
- Special focus on developments across Africa, Middle East and Southeast Asia including Indonesia and Singapore
- Practical recommendations to philanthropy to take advantage of the emerging trends
- Based on desk and field research, and written by Alliance features editor, Andrew Milner, in conjunction with regional experts Ese Emerhi, Heba Abou Shnief and Mihika Chanchan
Key findings:
- Giving is growing individually and institutionally
- Philanthropy infrastructure is stronger in countries where philanthropy itself is more developed
- Technology is reshaping philanthropy
- Covid pressed the reset button on philanthropy
- SDGs are an orienting point for philanthropy but not quite an organising principle
- More collaboration
- Blending of business and philanthropy
- New generation of wealth-holders
Further insights
- Technology, data, collaboration and transparency are the emerging trends shape the future of giving.
- More investment is needed in philanthropy infrastructure to realise the potential of strategic philanthropy in emerging market economies.
- UHNWIs from the Middle East contributed $8 billion out of a total $175 billion in UHNW giving in 2022 (36% of global individual giving) according to figures cited in the report drawing on data from Wealth-X.
- None of the regions focused on in the research have yet full released the potential of strategic philanthropy to drive largescale social change, but there is evidence to suggest that this may change
- There is a reported explosion of family offices in Singapore setting the stage for the country’s emergence as a philanthropic centre for southeast asia
- Better data and research infrastructure will lead to better analysis of problems and solutions, and intervention points for philanthropic capital
- More and better collaborations are needed between philanthropy, business and government
- Investment in philanthropy ecosystems will foster leadership potential within domestic philanthropy sectors
Further commentary
A panel of leading philanthropists including Rohini Nilekani in India, Laurence Lien in Singapore and Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe in South Africa joined Badr Jafar and Charles Keidan to discuss the findings at a specially convened webinar to explore practical recommendations for philanthropists to build on the trends identified.
‘It is estimated that more than $5 trillion of wealth in the top 30 growing economies, which includes the MENA region, will be passed from one generation to the next within the next decade. This next generation of philanthropists is reshaping the practice of giving by demanding more data, hands-on approaches and embracing boundary-blurring technological innovations to achieve greater impact.’ Badr Jafar, CEO Crescent Enterprises
‘Solving intractable problems requires philanthropy, government and business sectors working effectively together. However, philanthropy’s impact is held back by a lack of research, analysis and, at times, leadership. And that’s what makes The Future of Global Philanthropy report significant: it yields valuable insights into the key trends shaping our field as well as making practical recommendations for funders to act.’ Charles Keidan Executive Editor, Alliance magazine
‘We’ve seen a steady improvement on philanthropic data, mainly coming from philanthropists in India. As more data is shared, even if patchy at first, it is resulting in an increasing number of people in India ready to provide data regarding their philanthropy, which is helpful in addressing civil society challenges. Rohini Nilekani, Chair of the Rohini Nilekani philanthropies, India
‘Government is such an important stakeholder, because they have the biggest resources. By partnering with the government, we are able to work with schools across South Africa. It may be challenging at times, but very rewarding when successful.’ Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe of the Motsepe Foundation, South Africa
“In Singapore and much of Southeast Asia, working with the government is still at its infancy. Philanthropy is currently too slow and too safe, with the first generation often holding back the next generations of donors. However, I am optimistic that there are enough people saying the right things and having the intent to disrupt.” Laurence Lien, Lien Foundation and Asia Philanthropy Circle, Singapore
