Giving Compass' Take:

• International grantmaking has been becoming more popular over the last decades and goes in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goals. 

• How can technological advances such as bitcoin affect international grantmaking? 

• Read about the current state of international philanthropy according to the Paribas Individual Philanthropy Index. 

Along with the government, the private sector, and civil society, philanthropy is a critical partner in the global response to humanitarian, development, environmental, and other challenges. Some U.S. grantmakers have long recognized their vital role in a globalized world.

Internationally-directed philanthropic funding from the U.S. has steadily increased over the last several decades and shows no signs of slowing. Among the various factors contributing to this rise are growing awareness of donor-advised funds as a practical vehicle for charitable giving, increased efforts in corporate social responsibility, donors’ desire for leverage and diversification of their philanthropic resources, and rising global interconnectedness.

Opportunities now exist for cross-border philanthropic engagement and collaboration on a scale not seen before. However, we are witnessing a so-called “closing space” for civil society in many countries around the world that is, in some cases, hampering international giving.

Over the last two decades, the institutions and non-governmental organizations that comprise civil society around the world have come under increasing attack. Many regions have experienced the so-called “closing space” within which civil society can function effectively and have a voice. This phenomenon has largely been driven by the repressive actions of governments, including laws or policies that intimidate civil society organizations or impose excessive bureaucracy on their formation and operations.

Grantmakers are adapting to this environment. Many funders have reconfigured or restricted their grantmaking to comply with new national laws and avoid putting their grantees at risk and, in extreme instances, have been forced to shut down operations entirely. The sector is also being proactive to support a more enabling environment for civil society through collaborations such as the Funders’ Initiative for Civil Society.

Read the full article about international grantmaking by Andrzej Kozlowski' at PEAK Insight Journal