Development grants and investments by the largest private philanthropic foundations can exceed or are comparable to the official development assistance (ODA) of several donor countries. They represent an important pillar of the global development finance system, alongside and in collaboration with traditional and emerging donors, both bilateral and multilateral.
Philanthropy
Private philanthropic foundations play an increasingly important role in development. Although philanthropic funding cannot match official aid flows in volume terms, it can be more flexible, innovative, and disruptive than funding from other sources. The OECD sheds light on its contribution with detailed statistics and policy analysis and helps philanthropic foundations to network and learn from one another.
Key messages
Cross-border private philanthropy for international development, referring to funding provided by foundations and philanthropic organisations across national boundaries to support development in other countries, has remained stable in recent years.
After rising considerably to a peak in 2021, cross-border philanthropic flows have largely stabilised since then.
In emerging economies like China, India and Mexico, philanthropy from domestic donors surpassed the financing received by international foundations. Domestic donors tend to focus on health, education (higher education in particular) and social security.
Context
Private development finance by private philanthropic provider
Private development finance allocations differ significantly across philanthropic providers, reflecting varying priorities and capacities. Public data on philanthropic support is essential for improving co-ordination with other donors and with national institutions, increasing transparency, and assessing and reducing risks related to financing dependency.
Private philanthropy is a major supporter of health, population policies, and reproductive health in developing countries
Private philanthropic foundations are among the top 3 providers of development finance for health and population policies. They play a key role in eradicating infectious diseases and improving access to reproductive rights.
In 2024, more than half of international philanthropic contributions targeted health. Of these, 46% targeted health in general, while 12% targeted population needs and reproductive health.
Three emerging economies accounted for over a quarter of total philanthropic funding over 2020-2023
In China, India and Mexico, domestic philanthropic contributions surpassed cross-border philanthropic flows. China mobilised USD 8.3 billion in domestic philanthropic funding, accounting for 94% of the country's total philanthropic contributions while India mobilised USD 4.0 billion (65%) and Mexico USD 2.9 billion (88%).
Related data
Private philanthropic providers
- A - C
- D - I
- J - M
- N - R
- S - T
- U - Z
