On March 22nd, Buff Kavelman moderated a funders’ briefing hosted by the International Grantmakers Network at Philanthropy New York in its new headquarters at the Ford Foundation.
International grantmakers frequently encounter laws, regulations and political environments that are unwelcoming to philanthropy and civil society and create grantmaking conditions that are challenging to navigate. At the same time, however, funding needs in such countries and regions have grown.
In this session, Doug Rutzen, the President and CEO of The International Center for Nonprofit Law and Una Osili, Associate Dean for Research and International Programs at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University provided updates on the ever-evolving world of international grantmaking laws, discussed global trends and presented creative ways we can continue to provide global support in challenging terrain. The briefing explored:
Updates on legal developments affecting global philanthropy
Insights and new baseline information about the philanthropic environments in 79 countries and economies
Methods to facilitate effective and sustainable philanthropic action across different cultures
Top issues of concern today based on inquiries received by the International Center for Nonprofit Law (ICNL)
ICNL’s upcoming initiative to identify future trends that will affect the future of civil society and philanthropy over the coming decades
The event filled the conference room with a broad group of Philanthropy New York’s members, including philanthropic advisors, foundation executives and corporate social responsibility leaders. Following a lively discussion of issues and strategies increasingly relevant in today’s global climate, attendees asked if it could become an annual funders’ gathering to help them stay abreast of the ever-changing international grant making landscape.