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 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.