MPI Study: Diaspora Philanthropy - Private Giving and Public Policy

One of the most familiar, if least understood, aspects of diasporas’ engagement with their countries of origin is philanthropy: private resources donated out of an altruistic interest to advance human welfare. Diaspora philanthropy is not a new phenomenon, but as this report describes, there are reasons to believe that it is changing. Substantial existing research documents the philanthropic projects of diasporas in their communities of origin, but it often neglects the broader context of diaspora giving in relation to global trends in philanthropy and, critically, understanding of philanthropy’s role in development.

This report is a study by the Migration Policy Institute under a USAID grant, analyzes the evolving role of diaspora philanthropy in countries of origin. The study details the emergence of nongovernmental development actors and new trends in global philanthropy, such as strategic giving and the use of online platforms to harness small donations. It also discusses public policies, in both donor and developing countries, that can encourage or discourage philanthropic giving.