Philanthropic activity crosses not only sectoral boundaries, but also national ones. Recognizing that the complexity of modern problems doesn’t often fit neatly within national borders, new dialogues have highlighted the potential of increased international giving by U.S. philanthropists. Donors like Bill Gates and George Soros have given extensively throughout the globe, while a range of organizations have emerged to facilitate overseas giving and to help donors understand international giving issues, opportunities, and challenges. (Recent changes in U.S. law that make it more difficult to give overseas are the mirror image of this trend, reflecting that many people are giving to causes and groups beyond the reach of U.S. oversight.)
A 2003 Foundation Center International Grantmaking Update documents some of the larger trends in international giving by foundations.
Grantmakers Without Borders is a network of philanthropists interested in international giving that focuses on helping grantmakers to discuss issues, exchange experiences, share best practices, and advocate for progressive policies that increase the impact of philanthropy globally.
Synergos is a nonprofit organization dedicated the development of effective, sustainable, and locally based solutions to poverty issues throughout the world. It aims to foster local philanthropy in Africa, Asia, and Latin America; to encourage philanthropists globally to learn about pressing issues and opportunities throughout the world; and to broker partnerships among philanthropists, government, business, and citizens to increase the flow of resources to impoverished communities.
Give2Asia was established by The Asia Foundation to increase the quality and quantity of charitable investment in Asia by providing tailored services to donors and nonprofit organizations. The organization helps to reduce barriers to giving overseas by offering a flexible array of grantmaking services that help donors to find and give more easily to projects and organizations throughout Asia.
Giving Global is a nonprofit that uses a Web-based matching system to help donors and volunteers connect with international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that match their personal and regional interests.
Funders from different nations are also looking for new ways to partner on issues that span borders.
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria was established to increase resources to fight three of the world’s most devastating diseases and to direct those resources toward the areas of greatest need. The Fund is an international partnership between governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, and affected communities.
The U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership is a bi-national collaboration between a group of nine funders and 21 community foundations focused on improving quality of life in low-income communities on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.
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