Principles of Accountability for International Philanthropy

While cross-border philanthropy has much in common with domestic giving within a country, it also differs in significant and challenging ways. Language differences, communication across vast distances, unfamiliar cultural values and perspectives, multiple legal systems, and disparate accounting practices are a few of the factors that distinguish international from local or national philanthropy and contribute to its complexity. Moreover, international philanthropy takes place against a complex backdrop of geopolitics, power dynamics, government stipulations, and cultural and religious traditions, with a potentially greater degree of uncertainty and unpredictability.

With the high level of need and the cross-border nature of many of today's global challenges, there is also a greater sense of responsibility and a tremendous opportunity to make a difference with even modest contributions. In view of these challenges, how can independent funders ensure that their international philanthropy is carried out in an accountable and responsible manner?

In 2007, the European Foundation Centre (now Philea) and the Council on Foundations convened a joint working group of US and European foundations to develop these Principles of Accountability for International Philanthropy as a guide for foundations looking to fund across borders.