Einar H. Dyvik
Research expert covering Nordics and global data for society, economy, and politics
Philanthropy worldwide - statistics & facts
Philanthropy has played an increasingly large role in societies globally over time, especially in recent years. The United States is the country with most philanthropic activity in the world, with American philanthropic outflows constituting 0.23 percent of the American gross national income (GNI) or nearly 49 billion U.S. dollars annually. Nevertheless, philanthropy still has a significant presence in other nations, and generosity can be examined outside of the lens of money. Within the Charities Aid Foundation 2023 World Giving Index, countries ranked ahead of the United States include Indonesia, Ukraine, Kenya, and Liberia when factors such as those who had helped strangers or volunteered their time were considered.
Philanthropy is the act of giving, whether it’s funding or non-financial support such as time, to charitable causes by individuals or organizations. While high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are typically associated with philanthropy, the collective value of small-dollar donations via crowdfunding and other efforts cannot be underestimated. For example, prominent annual telethons in the UK such as Red Nose Day and Children in Need each raise tens of millions each year, to support children and youth in the UK and around the world.
Around the world, the balance between female and male philanthropists differs by country. In England, 72 percent of women gave to charity in 2021/22 compared to 61 percent of men. In Canada, the divide has become more equal over time. In 1997, 58 percent of charitable donors were male while 42 percent were female, but by 2021, the split was 51 to 49 percent respectively. This steady increase can be attributed to more women earning their own incomes and accessing higher-paying careers compared to previous decades. High-net-worth women have also made names for themselves in the philanthropic world, such as some of the richest women in the world like MacKenzie Scott and Julia Koch, who give significant amounts to charity each year.
Next to philanthropy, remittances, or money sent by migrants to their families and friends in their countries of origin, are an even more important source of income for people in the Global South. According to the World Bank, global remittances have reached over 600 billion U.S. dollars annually as of 2022, showing what a limited sum money through philanthropy make up in comparison. Moreover, remittances are sent directly to individuals, whereas philanthropy and official development assistance (ODA) are distributed via non-governmental organizations (NGOs), multilateral agencies, or governments. Some countries are highly dependent on remittance inflows. In the Gambia, for instance, remittance inflows made up 27 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP). In terms of total remittances received, India received the most in 2022.
Philanthropy is the act of giving, whether it’s funding or non-financial support such as time, to charitable causes by individuals or organizations. While high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are typically associated with philanthropy, the collective value of small-dollar donations via crowdfunding and other efforts cannot be underestimated. For example, prominent annual telethons in the UK such as Red Nose Day and Children in Need each raise tens of millions each year, to support children and youth in the UK and around the world.
Who are philanthropists and what do they care about the most?
There are various factors that drive philanthropic giving. In the United States in 2022, most HNWIs cited personal values and beliefs, interest in the issue area, recognition of the nonprofit, and perceived need as the top factors influencing their giving decisions. In 2022, American HNWIs considered education, religion, and healthcare to be the most important causes to them. Geographically, these donors contributed most funding to local causes, while international causes received the smallest proportion of funding. In Australia in 2018, survey respondents indicated that charities working with children were most important to them.Around the world, the balance between female and male philanthropists differs by country. In England, 72 percent of women gave to charity in 2021/22 compared to 61 percent of men. In Canada, the divide has become more equal over time. In 1997, 58 percent of charitable donors were male while 42 percent were female, but by 2021, the split was 51 to 49 percent respectively. This steady increase can be attributed to more women earning their own incomes and accessing higher-paying careers compared to previous decades. High-net-worth women have also made names for themselves in the philanthropic world, such as some of the richest women in the world like MacKenzie Scott and Julia Koch, who give significant amounts to charity each year.
Philanthropy and the importance of remittances in the Global South
When analyzing private philanthropy for development, India, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia were some of the top recipients of funding. However, more high-net-worth philanthropists are originating from these nations too. For example, by 2022, there were 108 high-net-worth donors in India, a significant increase from 38 only a few years prior in 2018. Indian donors have contributed billions of Indian rupees to charity, and by 2022, the top charitable focus for Indian donors was education.Next to philanthropy, remittances, or money sent by migrants to their families and friends in their countries of origin, are an even more important source of income for people in the Global South. According to the World Bank, global remittances have reached over 600 billion U.S. dollars annually as of 2022, showing what a limited sum money through philanthropy make up in comparison. Moreover, remittances are sent directly to individuals, whereas philanthropy and official development assistance (ODA) are distributed via non-governmental organizations (NGOs), multilateral agencies, or governments. Some countries are highly dependent on remittance inflows. In the Gambia, for instance, remittance inflows made up 27 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP). In terms of total remittances received, India received the most in 2022.
