A new report from Philanthropy and Social Justice and Peace entitled Philanthropy in the Arab Region makes a valuable contribution to understanding philanthropic efforts across the Middle East through highlighting both the excellent work that is going on in the region as well as drawing our attention to the challenges facing the nascent sector.

The report, in its own words, aims to "provide an overview of the current state of philanthropy in the Arab region, particularly shining a light on new areas and innovation within philanthropy and the implications of these for its future role."

To do this, the report relies on interviews with approximately 20 philanthropists, philanthropy executives, and civil society actors working in the Arab region. In taking this approach, the report is unique in that it captures the views and opinions of those actually working with or in the sector and in the region, and it thus provides refreshing examination of the topic.

When exploring the current state of philanthropy in the region today, the common thread across all interviewees in the report is a concern over regulatory and legal structures that either do not exist to allow for formal incorporation of philanthropic entities or are overly rigid and inhibit the giving of grants and moving of funds across countries. In addition, there is concern from those who are based in North Africa that following the Arab Spring many philanthropic efforts are viewed with suspicion and even as perhaps anti-government, consequently further hindering in country activities or regulatory reforms.

On the positive side, there is optimism about the growing number of philanthropic efforts coming out of the Gulf and the support that has been given to these from various ruling families and businessmen from the region.

Read the full article about philanthropy in the Arab region by Natasha Ridge at Alliance magazine.