Members of the Board of Directors of the Asia Pacific Philanthropy Consortium reflect on the role of philanthropy in addressing regional and national issues in APPC’s contributory chapter to the upcoming book on global philanthropy to be published by the Network of European Foundations The Mercator Fund. Entitled “Creating the Future through Philanthropy”, the chapter also discusses the impact of the global financial downturn on philanthropic activities and the multi-sectoral responses to curb the effects of the crisis in the Asia Pacific region.
The chapter begins with a review of the traditions and geneses of giving in various societies of Asia and how these continually shape current practices. Along with the views of APPC Board Members, the piece also highlights the insights of other philanthropy advocates and Asian scholars on how Asian societies have successfully continued philanthropic activities amidst the crisis. The chapter also cites innovative initiatives illustrating that philanthropy indeed has the potential to create the future of Asia Pacific. Some innovative examples include the successful partnerships between various sectors such as government, civil society and corporations that aid in the promotion of giving and volunteering in society, donor education programs and the harnessing of new donors such as diaspora communities to support development programs in home countries. It concludes with a set of recommendations to further strengthen the sector and promote better philanthropy.
The publication is set to be released by the NEF-Mercator Fund in late 2009.