International Giving

Although votes in some races are still being counted, we know the results of the US midterm election will lead to changes in Washington in the new year that may impact global grantmakers. From changing Congressional committee leaders to upcoming reviews of US foreign assistance and the 2020 budget…

It’s an exciting month at the Council! We are honored to announce that Kathleen P. Enright will be our new President and CEO, effective March 5. She will provide the kind of strong, forward-thinking leadership the field of philanthropy needs in this moment of unprecedented change, opportunity…

September is a month of global conversations and events for the development community. As important actors in the global movement to achieve the ambitious targets within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, foundations play a vital role in this community. Earlier this month, foundation…

This month, thousands of representatives from governments, civil society, and the corporate sector will come together in New York for the 73rd annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Alongside the high-level conversations  within the UN, hundreds of side-events will address the world’s…

Members, View the Recording Have you been curious about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but not quite sure how to incorporate them within your corporate giving program? Have you wondered how to integrate the SDGs to demonstrate impact throughout your grant making, employee volunteer…

Earlier this week, the Council and Foundation Center released a new flagship global philanthropy report: The State of Global Giving by US Foundations: 2011-2015. DOWNLOAD This report is the latest in our partnership to track trends in how US foundations support international programs. In 1997…

A new report released today by the Council on Foundations and Foundation Center reveals that global giving by U.S. foundations increased by 29% from 2011 to 2015, reaching an all-time high of $9.3 billion in 2015.  With mounting challenges that transcend national boundaries, it’s increasingly…

View the Recording The International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL) and the Council on Foundations co-hosted an instructive, engaging webinar that unpacked the legal framework for philanthropy in China, featuring Chinese civil society experts Shawn Shieh and Jessica Batke. Shawn…

The UN’s High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York City this month was an opportunity for governments and partners to review global progress on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). During the meetings, 47 countries completed Voluntary National Reviews to show progress on the…

  New Data and Trends on International Giving Did you know that grants by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation accounted for almost 50% of all international grants awarded by US foundations? Or that between 2011 and 2015, only 12% of funds went directly to local organizations without…

In June 2018, we saw concerning new developments related to the use of the Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA) in targeting U.S. non-profits that also work internationally. The House Committee on Natural Resources sent a letter to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) as part of an…

Over the last month, I’ve seen growing attention to discussions about power in philanthropy. In early May, the Council co-hosted an event launching the new Grantcraft guide around #ShiftThePower . The packed room of attendees discussed how community philanthropy can create local…

It's a Wrap! Leading Together 2019 was a gathering of leaders in philanthropy and other influencers in business, government, and academia. For three days, the field came together to connect, learn, and share with one another.  We also used Leading Together 2019 as an opportunity to…

While slogans like “think globally, act locally” have been around for decades, still so much decision-making about philanthropy and development aid happens by stakeholders outside communities. Even those funders that care deeply about championing local leadership and initiatives often struggle with…

  Download slide presentation The Council on Foundations and many of our partners around the world are watching the changing environment for philanthropy across the globe, as the enabling environment for giving within countries and across borders is improving in some places and at the same…