Introduction

The Global Philanthropy Program serves the public good by facilitating responsible and effective grantmaking for international purposes among the Council on Foundations’ members, educating the public and U.S. government about the value of international grantmaking, and supporting philanthropy as an essential part of a strengthened civil society around the world.

Strategic Priorities

Member service: provide U.S. and international members with high-quality technical assistance and services that respond to their international grantmaking needs.

Global philanthropy: strengthen the global philanthropic infrastructure, share effective grantmaking practices worldwide, and foster international learning opportunities for U.S. grantmakers.

Accountability and Effectiveness: promote the highest standards of accountability and effectiveness in international grantmaking among Council members and other organizations, both within and outside the United States.

Program Highlights

Global Philanthropy Leadership Initiative (GPLI)
The Global Philanthropy Leadership Initiative is a partnership with the Council, European Foundation Centre, and the Worldwide Initiatives for Grantmaker Support (WINGS) to collaborate to break down barriers to global philanthropy. A taskforce of key foundation leaders from each of the partner organizations has been formed to provide recommendations on three key areas: 1) Removing Legal and Regulatory barriers to increased global giving; 2) Advancing collaboration; and 3) Engaging with policy makers.

United States International Grantmaking (USIG)
A flagship project of the Global Philanthropy Program, USIG shares best practices, explains complex legal requirements, and advocates for more favorable government regulation of international grantmaking. It contains a database of legal information on 35 countries as well as model materials for foundations to use their overseas grantees. USIG is a collaborative project of the Council and the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law.

Worldwide Initiatives for Grantmaker Support (WINGS)
The Council participates actively in this global network to strengthen the institutional infrastructure of philanthropy worldwide. Matthew Nelson, vice president for membership and member services, currently serves as the Council’s lead representative on the WINGS board of directors.

NGOsource
A project of the Council and TechSoup Global, NGOsource is an equivalency determination service that, upon regulatory approval, will help U.S. grantmakers streamline their international grantmaking process. Visit www.ngosource.org for more information.

Research
A collaboration with the Foundation Center to research and publish periodic studies tracking the growth of international grantmaking.

Treasury Guidelines Working Group
A Council-led working group of more than 40 U.S. charitable sector organizations; the group developed the Principles of International Charity, which includes eight principles to guide the anti-terrorism efforts of charities, and works toward the easing or withdrawing of the guidelines.

Technical Assistance

The Global Philanthropy Program provides members with individualized replies to requests for information, identifies trends and emerging issues in international grantmaking, and facilitates access to research by the Council and other philanthropic organizations on issues affecting both the philanthropic sector as a whole and international philanthropy specifically.

Professional Development

The Global Philanthropy Program’s signature professional development opportunity is the Global Grantmaking Institute. Designed by experts in the field, the intensive two-day course is designed to provide new and emerging global grantmakers an in-depth understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with this work. The Institute will explore investment strategies, legal and regulatory requirements, collaboration, and evaluation. The inaugural program will kick off December 1-2, 2011, at our headquarters in Arlington, Va.

The Global Philanthropy Program also holds webinars targeted to the interests of its members.

Legal Information

International members have direct access to the Council’s legal team, which provides information and analysis on tax and regulatory matters affecting international foundations, such as changes in IRS regulations and practices as well as guidance on day to day operational issues.

A Strong Voice in Washington

Find out what you can expect from Congress and federal regulators. Our legal and government relations teams will keep you current on pending legislation and tax and regulatory matters. We monitor legislative activities and advocate for changes that promote responsible and effective cross border grantmaking practices. In addition, foundations that shape charitable laws in their own countries can use these updates to gain perspective about the U.S. charity law experience.

Electronic Resources

• International Dateline—a monthly e-newsletter with news, articles, and events of interest to foundations and grantmakers
• Breaking News, Washington Update, and Legislative Network—e-newsletters that keep you informed about news, events, and legislation that affect philanthropy
• International Programs Electronic Discussion Group—a moderated forum for international members to network with peers, exchange information, and share best practices and ideas

Publications

The Council publishes books and reports to assist international members in all aspects of foundation operations. Visit our publications page for a complete list. Popular titles include:

• International Grantmaking IV: An Update on U.S. Foundation Trends
• Beyond Our Borders: A Guide to Making Grants Outside the U.S.
• Making a Difference in Africa: Advice from Experienced Grantmakers
• Expenditure Responsibility: Step by Step
• Principles of Accountability for International Philanthropy (also available in Spanish)
• Principles of International Charity
• Disaster Grantmaking: A Practical Guide for Foundations and Corporations
• International Corporate Grantmaking Models

Leadership

The The Global Philanthropy Program Committee offers advice on international activities and structures programs to address the needs of international grantmakers. The committee identifies priorities for the Council's global philanthropy program, which include enhancing the international activity of U.S.-based grantmakers, strengthening the philanthropic sector in emerging democracies, building links with other international associations of grantmakers, and increasing the flow of information about international grantmaking.

The Global Philanthropy Program Staff

John Harvey, Managing Director, John.Harvey@cof.org
Andrew Ho, Manager, Andrew.Ho@cof.org
Isabelle Mack, Operations Manager, Isabelle.Mack@cof.org