As a field of study – if indeed it is a “field” of study – global philanthropy is in its infancy. It defies definition at the same time that it provokes interest and inquiry. While many have contributed to our understanding of global giving, it is fair to say that there are no individual or institutional experts. Reliable giving data can be found in only a limited number of countries. Globally comparable data is non-existent. Careful analysis of philanthropic giving through a global lens is hard to find. Given the vast and uncharted landscape of global philanthropy, any effort to define its boundaries or describe its contours is likely to be misleading.

Global Institutional Philanthropy: A Preliminary Status Report includes two parts. Part One collates the survey responses, including a discussion of philanthropic trends and characteristics, the legal environment for institutional giving, obstacles and challenges to the growth of institutional philanthropy, and institutional philanthropic models. Part Two provides profiles of institutional philanthropy in 24 individual countries and the Arab region, employing a similar outline.