Giving by individuals, foundations and corporations continue to increase according to a new report released by Giving USA Foundation and Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
A Tribute to Peter Karoff, Father of Philanthropic Advising
Peter Karoff passed away this year but his legendary work lives on in the philanthropic sector.
AVPN Conference 2017 in Thailand
The 2017 AVPN Conference will be in Thailand on June 7-9th. Will you be there?
Corporate Giving Around the World
Companies are expanding their presence around the world and in time, they must also expand their corporate giving programs. “Giving Around the Globe,” a new report by CECP examines how global companies give.
Racial Discrimination and Implicit Bias
Discussions about racial profiling and other discriminatory practices usually focus on explicit bias—that is, discriminatory beliefs and practices that a person, society, or government intentionally and consciously supports. However, implicit bias is as powerful, if not a more powerful, factor behind discriminatory policies and practices that lead to unjust outcomes.
The Disconnect Between Silicon Valley Nonprofits and Philanthropists
“Giving Code: Silicon Valley Nonprofits and Philanthropy” examines the current status of nonprofits and trends of philanthropists in the area. The report documents the growing disconnect between local needs and how local donors are approaching their giving.
What Do Travel Advisors and Social Impact Have in Common?
The Good Travels Advisor program trains travel advisors in responsible travel, giving and volunteering. Research has shown that giving back matters to travelers and travel advisors have a chance to support their meaningful experiences, giving and learning through especially powerful travel experiences, which in turn supports the travel advisor’s business as well as travel destinations.
Alliance Magazine on Philanthropy in India
Check out the Fall 2016 edition of Alliance Magazine! The series of articles discussing the current state of philanthropy in India is a must read!
Bill Somerville: Simple Can Be Significant
Bill Somerville’s career as a maverick grantmaker spans 50 years in the nonprofit sector. At this talk TEDx event, Bill shows us how philanthropic efforts can be nimble, responsive, and imaginative.
AVPN 2016 – Reaching Out to Hong Kong…And Beyond!
Asian Philanthropy Forum is pleased to provide media coverage for the upcoming AVPN conference. Victor Kuo reflects on the past years of the AVPN conference and how the market and community has progressed.
AVPN Investment Showcase: RunOurCity & iHealth
The AVPN Investment Showcase at the upcoming AVPN conference features successful organizations that are supported by members. Members can sponsor organizations to be featured in a “pitch” session during the conference. This year, sponsored organizations include RunOurCity and iHealth.
Philanthropy for Better Cities, Hong Kong, Sept 22-23, 2016
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust is convening a philanthropy forum in Hong Kong during September 22-23, 2016. “Philanthropy for Better Cities” attempts “to build a community of like-minded stakeholders to share ideas on how philanthropy can help towards building better cities.”
What’s Next for China’s Economy?
The end of the Chinese migrant miracle is near. The road ahead looks painful for China and for the world. But it could also be the beginning of the Chinese economic transformation of the future, one that will benefit China, and the world, in bigger and better ways than we have seen thus far.
AVPN: How Has Social Investing Impacted Asia?
The 2016 Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) conference, How Has Social Investing Impacted Asia? will be in Hong Kong. Asian Philanthropy Forum will be covering the event. May 23-25, 2016.
Fair and Equitable Compensation in Nonprofit Work
Fair and equitable compensation in the nonprofit sector is required if we are to retain and recruit the best talent to tackle social issues. The Chinese American Community Foundation’s survey on executive compensation in the U.S. paints a different story. What about the situation in Asia?
Largest Donors to Harvard No Longer Chinese
Last fall, the Morningside Foundation, which is supported by Gerald Chan and his brother Ronnie Chan, made a $350 million gift to Harvard University. It was the largest single donation in Harvard’s history at the time. But not anymore.
U.S. Trust Survey Says Giving is Part of Life Well Lived
The 2015 U.S. Trust Insights on Wealth and Worth report found that more than half of the wealthy consider giving back to society an important component of a life well lived.
A Deeper Look at Online Gambling Trends
A new online survey compares international gambling trends, advocacy, and marketing tools. Overall online gambling for has been on an incredible rise, the development of mobile devices and the widely accessible internet made betting and gambling widely popular among the population. Some companies have entered the market to provide full awareness and knowledge dedicated to responsible and conscious betting, for example nowadays if you like tennis you can find everyday predictions for upcoming matches. However, you should understand that those are not guaranteed success, as it is obviously not possible to predict all outcomes in a sporting event.
A (Missed?) Philanthropic Opportunity in Nonprofit Leadership Development
The study, “Cultivating Nonprofit Leadership: A (Missed?) Philanthropic Opportunity,” makes the case that foundations should dedicate additional resources to fund and encourage the development of leaders in the nonprofit sector.
Nepal Disaster and Recovery Efforts: Long Road Ahead
The global outpouring of support for Nepal’s earthquake victims has been generous and welcome. However, donors should treat their contributions as they would other investments, and carefully consider the organization receiving their gift.
2015 Global Philanthropy Forum: Jim Yong Kim, World Bank President
Day one of the Global Philanthropy Forum featured World Bank President Jim Yong Kim. He spoke of ending extreme poverty by 2030, setting goals to do so, and structuring the organization in order to reach those goals.
Conversation with Jane Wales, CEO, Global Philanthropy Forum
Asian Philanthropy Forum was pleased to be part of the 2015 Global Philanthropy Forum in Washington, DC to cover the conference and aspects around philanthropy in Asia. We speak with Janes Wales as the event kicked off.
Two Reports Say Fundraising Efforts Are Positive
Two recent studies report positive news for non-profit fundraising efforts.
Asia-Pacific Family Offices and Philanthropy
Report finds family beneficiaries are more likely to be involved in Asia-Pacific offices, not only in investment planning, but notably in their engagement with philanthropy, often taking strategic roles.
Going to the AVPN Conference 2015?
The AVPN Conference 2015 will promote shared learning, best practices and active networking across diverse sectors to build a vibrant and high impact venture philanthropy community in Asia.
Rules to Give By: A Global Philanthropy Legal Environment Index
Rules to Give By: A Global Philanthropy Legal Environment Index, investigates how 177 governments support philanthropic giving in a comparable and standardized way.
Recap: Asian Philanthropy & Sustainability Forum
The inaugural Asian Philanthropy & Sustainability Forum featured Jenny Bowen of Half the Sky and trends in Asian philanthropy.
China Philanthropy Summit: Next Generation Philanthropy
Next generation leaders spoke about opportunities to promote and participate in philanthropy even in the midst of challenges in China.
China Philanthropy Summit: Government Quite Influential to Growth
Attendees of the China Philanthropy Summit found that the role of the Chinese government greatly influences the growth and shape of philanthropy in China.
Join the CASE Asia Pacific Advancement Conference in Singapore!
Our friends at CASE Asia Pacific is working to bring you an unforgettable conference at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore on April 14-17, 2015!
Asian Philanthropy Forum Launches Inaugural Gathering
Asian Philanthropy Forum hosts private event and brings together a diverse group of business and social leaders to learn about social innovation and sustainability efforts in Indonesia and China.
China Philanthropy Summit
On Oct 31 and Nov 1, 2014, the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University will host a two day summit on philanthropy in China. The conference culminates the school’s three year Initiative on Philanthropy in China.
Connecting the Next Generation of Family Business Leaders
How do you build and connect the next generation of leaders in China and the U.S.? What programs are available?
Watch This: Creating a Culture of Reading in Bhutan
6 years ago, there was just one public library in the entire country of Bhutan. Find out what one nonprofit organization to catalyze a culture of reading in Bhutan.
Nonprofit Mergers: A Case Study of Two Asian American Nonprofits
Nonprofit mergers are gaining in popularity. What is the process for merger? What conditions are needed for a successful merger? Learn how two Asian American nonprofits approached the process and lessons learned.
Should Philanthropy Advisors Be Accredited?
Should philanthropy advisors be held to the same standards as other professional advisors and should they be accredited?
Philanthropy in Sri Lanka: An On-the-Ground Perspective
Sharadha de Sharaham shares her insight on Sri Lankan philanthropy based on her years of experience in the local social impact space.
Sri Lanka: A Deeper Dive into Philanthropic Research with Tom Widger
How did a research team come to its conclusions about philanthronationalism, patron-client relationships, and other themes in Sri Lankan philanthropy? We talk to one of the key researchers to find out.
The Impact of Local Charity on Development: A Sri Lankan Case Study
A close examination of Sri Lankan charitable practices reveals the potential of philanthropy to expand and play a developmental role, as well as the hurdles that still stand in the way of greater social engagement.
What’s Next for Philanthropy in Australia?
The 2014 National Conference looks at what’s beyond the horizons for Australian philanthropy.
AVPN 2014: Forging Ahead To 2015
The end of the 2014 AVPN conference brought with it the announcement of a new Knowledge Center, which has the potential to spread practical tips in the growing Asian philanthropic space.
BoP World Convention & Expo to Merge Investment and Social Impact Opportunities in U.S. $5 Trillion Market
The Base of the Pyramid refers to the four billion people living in emerging economies. Collectively, they represent an untapped market of USD $5 trillion and a blue ocean opportunity for businesses to grow by reaching new markets and improving lives.
Upcoming Philanthropy in Asia Summit
The Philanthropy in Asia Summit in Singapore this year seeks to mobilize the new wave of Asian philanthropic leadership. Will you join us at the event?
Two Must-Have’s When Engaging Governments in Asia: Trust and “Face”
Government partnerships are essential for achieving scale but can be a challenge to manage. Here are a few tips from AVPN 2014 on how you can manage these tricky partnerships.
What’s Missing in Impact Measurement? Lessons from AVPN 2014
Impact measurement — everyone is talking about it these days, but few people get it right. How should we approach impact measurement when different stakeholders want different things? What’s still missing from the way we design impact measurement?
Asian Philanthropy Tackles Systems Change: AVPN Annual Conference Opening Highlights
One of the most important lessons from this year’s AVPN conference: the social challenges in Asia should no longer being tackled in isolation, but through systems change.
The 3 Themes and 5 Big Ideas We Got From This Year’s AVPN Conference
Reject the notion that you “can’t.” Act with a sense of urgency. Be a driver of systems change. And 5 additional takeaways from this year’s AVPN conference on social investing.
A Guide to Social Enterprises in Asia
Social enterprises are a growing phenomenon in Asia. This guide will help you understand what they are, how they function, and how they contribute to social and environmental change in Asia.
What to Expect at This Year’s AVPN Conference on Social Investing
AVPN’s 2014 Conference starts later this week! And this year, things get real. We’re moving beyond theory to real-world examples of success and failure in the social impact space.
Ashoka Fellow Hasina Kharbhih On Being a Woman Working in Anti-Human Trafficking
In the last part of our interview with Hasina Kharbhih, she shares with us the inspiration that’s fueled her mission to promote social entrepreneurship and end human trafficking.
What Ashoka Fellow Hasina Kharbhih Believes Every Social Entrepreneur Should Understand
Ashoka Fellow Hasina Kharbhih gives her thoughts on what all aspiring social entrepreneurs should know before diving into social ventures.
Inside the Mind of An Ashoka Fellow: How Hasina Kharbhih Developed a Model to End Human Trafficking in India
Ashoka Fellow Hasina Kharbhih developed the Impulse Model to end human trafficking in India. It’s now being adapted globally. Here’s how it works.
Will the inBloom Closure Be Philanthropy’s ‘Fail Forward’ Moment?
The ed-tech nonprofit inBloom, backed by the Gates Foundation and Carnegie Corporation, has come to a controversial end. What can we learn from this?
Is High Profile, Big Ticket Philanthropy in Asia Finally Here to Stay?
There were two big announcements in Indonesian and Chinese philanthropy very recently. Is Bill Gates to thank?
Nonprofit Sustainability: Is There A Disconnect Between What Donors Want and What They’re Willing to Fund?
Donors want reporting and evaluation metrics, but they’re often not willing to fund costs related to gathering and analyzing data. What does that mean for nonprofits?
Which Countries Receive the Most Remittances?
Developing countries top the list of remittance receivers, but France and Germany are up there as well.
Asian Philanthropists Are More Focused on Short-Term Results, Says New Survey
Here are five inferences about Asian philanthropists from the 2014 BNP Baripas Individual Philanthropy Index.
Let’s Talk About Giving Circles in Asia
The findings of a new study that looked at 35 giving circles across 8 Asian countries will be discussed on May 16 in Singapore. What does the future bode for this grassroots style of giving? Come join the discussion!
Women Lead A New Green Economy in Sabah, Malaysia
There’s a new green economy underway in Sabah, Malaysia. It’s going to focus on inclusive growth and sustainable development–and it’s being led by women.
9 Indonesian Philanthropists and Bill Gates Agree to Fund Multi-Million Dollar Sustainable Health Initiative in Indonesia
The Tahir Foundation, the Gates Foundation, and 8 other Indonesian philanthropists have committed to providing millions to the Indonesia Health Fund over the next five years.
This Collaboration Tool Is Just What the Nonprofit Sector Needs
Everyone’s talking about collaboration, and no where is it more needed than in the nonprofit sector, where organizations are often stretched to their limits in personnel and funding. This collaboration tool may help solve that.
Chinese NGOs Grow to Over 500,000 Thanks to New Reforms, But Strict Regulations Still Hamper Social Sector’s Growth
Thanks to a new direct registration process, the number of Chinese NGOs has swelled to over 500,000. But there is still much more the government can do to ease the burdens of operations for local nonprofits.
Democratizing Philanthropy, the Immigrant Way
The giving traditions practiced by many immigrants and communities of color are helping to democratize philanthropy in the U.S. To that we say, hurrah!
The Secret to Global Prosperity? Empower Women
Our last feature for Women’s History Month looks at the role women have in growing the global economy. Guess what — it’s an important one.
How to Stage a Medical Intervention in a War-Torn Country
It takes a lot of grit and compassion to want to stage a medical intervention in a war-torn country like Myanmar. Community Partners International has been doing it for nearly two decades. Here are a few things they’ve learned along the way.
What’s Next for Women’s Health?
The focus on reproductive health may not be enough. We need to re-tailor the plan to improve women’s health based on changing demographics and epidemiological pressure points.
Apply Now! Funding Available for Study on Women’s Philanthropy
The Women’s Philanthropy Institute is offering a stipend of $5,000 to scholars researching women’s philanthropy.
IDEX Gets at the Root of Violence Against Women
Continuing our Women’s History Month features, we talk to IDEX, a nonprofit that works globally to end violence against women. The key is to focus on both the causes and manifestations of violence, while remembering that healing must follow.
How Chinese Americans Give
Two new studies provide details into how Chinese Americans give and how to better engage Chinese American philanthropists.
Why is Violence Against Women So Widespread?
1 in 3 women will likely experience some form of violence in her life. Understanding why some men perpetuate violence while others don’t can help bring down those numbers.
Where the Women Go To Learn Their Letters and Become Leaders
READ Global is doing amazing work educating and empowering women in South Asia — and they’ve got the numbers to prove it. 2 out of 3 women with READ Centers in their communities have increased decision making power in their homes. Learn more about how the ‘READ effect’ works.
Tweet and Take a Selfie to Help Girls’ Education In Vietnam
So easy it behooves you to do it: tweet/instagram #caseforgirls and WesternUnion.com will donate $10 to scholarship funds for girls in Vietnam.
China Wants to Make Charitable Giving Mandatory for All Income-Earning Citizens
Chinese legislators have been sitting on a bill that would make charitable giving mandatory for all citizens. Will this be an effective approach to unlocking philanthropy in the country?
More Women Than Men Are Enrolled in College in Most Countries Around the World — But We’re Still Not Doing Enough for Girls’ Education
For our Women’s History Month series, we took a look at the state of girls’ education around the world. On the upside, women are at excelling at the highest levels of education–but social misconceptions are still stopping many girls from getting there in the first place.
Corporate Philanthropy Off to a Mixed Start in Vietnam
The good news: about 77% of firms in Vietnam reported practicing some form of corporate giving! The not-so-good news: most corporate philanthropy in Vietnam is ad hoc and event-based.
India’s New CSR Law is a Grand Experiment in Decentralized Tax Distribution
India’s new CSR law is stirring quite the debate over effective use of corporate philanthropy. But let’s try to think of it this way: the new CSR law is actually an exercise in corporate empowerment, a way of decentralizing tax distribution.
The Cruel Economics of Human Trafficking in India
Human trafficking is foremost a moral issue, but its continued existence is also disturbingly supported by market forces. This report from the Indian strategic philanthropy foundation Dasra examines the supply and demand sides of human sex trafficking in India.
Dien Yuen to Moderate at Committee of 100’s Forum On Strategic Investing for Social Impact
There’s a lot of wealth in Silicon Valley–and a lot of will to do good. Asian American philanthropic leaders in Silicon Valley will speak about community-based and globally-focused impact investing at the Committee of 100’s Speakers Forum. APF’s own Dien Yuen will moderate.
International Giving Rebounds after Recession-Year Declines
In the U.S., giving to international affaires organizations in 2013 was strong. In fact, international affaires organizations showed the most fundraising raising growth compared to organizations in other sectors. Did diaspora philanthropy have something to do with it?
How to Build Momentum for Impact Investing
What’s keeping impact investing from being embraced by institutional investors? Is it investor perception, a lack of investment opportunities, or a lack of funding? In the last part of our interview with Asia Community Ventures co-founder Ming Wong, we take a look at what’s holding impact investing back and how to get beyond those barriers.
To Grow the Asian Social Sector, Fail Forward and Get Over Overhead
Overhead isn’t all bad and people in the social sector need to take more risks if they’re really going to achieve sustained social impact, says Ming Wong, co-founder of Asia Community Ventures.
What Jeopardy Champion Bob Harris Learned on His Journey through Microfinance and Philanthropy
Bob Harris talks to us about microfinance, philanthropy, game theory in Jeopardy, and the five most important words he’s ever heard.
Career Advice For the Aspiring Impact Investor and Social Entrepreneur in Asia
Ming Wong breaks down what every aspiring do-gooder in Asia should know before jumping into the social impact space. His biggest piece of career advice? Go forth and start your own company!
Rethinking Routine Corporate Contributions
Instead of putting your corporate contributions to nonprofits on autopilot, maybe it’s time to rethink what you’re trying to do and why. Here are 5 questions you should consider asking at your next budget planning meeting.
Who are China’s Top Philanthropists?
Meet China’s top philanthropists.
The Challenges Facing Bhutanese and Burmese Refugees in the U.S.—And What We Can Do to Help
Bhutanese and Burmese refugees encounter much difficulty when they arrive in the U.S., but we can take steps to help them adjust and contribute positively to society.
Want To Be A Philanthropist Like Warren Buffet? Consider Taking this MOOC
We may not all have the same amount of wealth as the Buffets, but we can all learn to give like them through this MOOC.
How To Donate Without Giving Money
Companies may want to do good, but it’s just not possible for them to fill the thousands of grants requests they receive each year. Leith Robotham discusses how companies can donate without giving money.
5 Ways Tech Is Changing Philanthropy
Tech is changing philanthropy. There’s no doubt about that. But how exactly? That was the subject at a recent event hosted by KQED Public Radio, APM Marketplace, and the San Francisco Foundation.
8 Things You Should Know About BRICS Diaspora Philanthropy
The BRICS diaspora could do big things for their respective homelands through philanthropy.
Bill Gates to Naysayers: Foreign Aid Works
Does foreign aid work? Bill Gates gives a resounding “yes” in his latest annual letter.
Watch This: Nepali Woman Reminds Us Why Literacy Matters Among Poor Communities
Literacy can unlock many doors of opportunity for the poor. Chuna Devi Pengeni, a woman from rural Nepal, shows us just how in this uplifting video from READ Global.
Want to talk social investing in Asia? Then join us at 2014 AVPN Conference in May!
Social investing could be a game changer in Asian development. But what’s worked and what hasn’t? Join us at 2014 AVPN Conference in Singapore this May to find out.