Legal Framework for Global Philanthropy: Barriers and Opportunities

Introduction - IJNL Vol. 13 Iss. 1 and 2: "Legal Framework for Global Philanthropy: Barriers and Opportunities

David Moore and Douglas Rutzen
International Center for Not-for-Profit Law

I. Introduction

Recent years have witnessed a growth in philanthropy around the world. In Brazil, the number of private foundations increased 300% in twenty years; by 2008, Brazilian foundations gave away more than $5.5 billion.[1] In India, philanthropy exceeded $5 billion in 2006.[2] In Russia, corporate philanthropy was virtually non-existent in 1991 and by 2008 exceeded $2.5 billion.[3] In China, more than 800 private foundations were established during the past five years, an increase of 88%.[4] In Europe, there are now over 95,000 public benefit foundations.[5] In nine European countries (Belgium, Estonia, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden), 43% of foundations were established between 2003 and 2005.[6]"