Recognising the Power of Regional Philanthropy

Each nation has a unique history and philanthropic journey. Even if the history of philanthropy is in its infancy, local traditions of giving are deeply rooted and to best resolve social problems sustainably it is critical to consider regional geographic, social, cultural, and economic factors. However, major donors often overlook the power of their own communities, slipping into paternalistic patterns that miss the opportunity to tap into the assets and activism that already exist locally. Additionally, in some emerging market economies, international philanthropy is unsustainable or can lead to funding voids as local NGOs are not encouraged to build local fundraising capacity. Are there local philanthropy models particular to emerging economies? Do major donors work closely with local communities to truly understand the nature of their needs? How do donors support local communities to solve particular social ills? How can local communities help guide philanthropic efforts? What are some of the new models of philanthropy and how do they compare across emerging market economies?