This past month TKG president Buff Kavelman organized and moderated “Navigating Uncertain Terrain: Updates From The Global Philanthropy Tracker.” This virtual Philanthropy New York program explored the changing field of international giving and how knowledge of current economic data and global nonprofit laws can shape more strategic and effective grantmaking.
The program followed up on last year’s successful event initiated by Buff and fellow International Grantmakers Network co-chair Patricia Nicholas, Carnegie Corporation International Program Officer. This year’s gathering expanded its global reach, bringing together funders from the Asian Cultural Council, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the Ford Foundation, the Open Society Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Carnegie Foundation, Stavros Niarchos Foundation, and the American Scandinavian Foundation, among others.
Noted economist Una Osili, Associate Dean of Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy presented new data that identified surprising trends in international generosity, including nations in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa that are emerging as increasingly significant players for giving. Doug Rutzen, President and CEO of the International Center for Nonprofit Law, explored the ever-changing legal context for international giving in order to help funders navigate the complex landscape of cross-border philanthropy. Both Una and Doug were named to The NonProfit Times’ top-50 power and influence list for 2020.
A diverse range of attendees shared grantmaking questions, challenges and solutions. Funders considering expansion into new regions were able to get their concerns addressed by leading experts in the field.
Key discussion points included the quadrupling of non-governmental funding to address global challenges and the growth of private funding in international work, as well as the expanding cross-border giving from middle- and lower-income nations. Doug, Una, Buff, and participants highlighted the need for more robust global data. The Peace and Security Funders—first time attendees—proposed further collaborations with the IGN to address the decolonization of global philanthropy.