The Growing Role of Private Giving
Philanthropy is increasingly becoming an important component of the global development ecosystem.
The OECD’s Private Philanthropy for Development 2026 report estimates that private philanthropic contributions to development totalled USD 68.2 billion between 2020 and 2023.
This included USD 52.8 billion in cross-border funding and USD 15.4 billion in domestic philanthropic funding in low- and middle-income countries.
The OECD notes that philanthropy remains much smaller than official development assistance, but it can bring distinctive strengths.
Foundations can sometimes support innovative ideas, take risks, respond to emerging needs and provide flexible funding.
The report also highlights collaboration. More than two-thirds of surveyed philanthropies were involved in multiple collaborative projects with other partners.
This suggests that the future of philanthropy may depend increasingly on partnership rather than isolated action.
Governments, nonprofits, companies, foundations and communities each bring different strengths.
When these strengths are combined, resources can potentially be used more effectively.
Philanthropy does not replace public action—it can complement it, strengthen innovation and help bring additional resources to important social priorities.