International Philanthropy Trends in 2025
Recently, Myriad USA presented International Giving in 2025: Insights and Opportunities. As we step into 2025, the philanthropic sector faces significant challenges and opportunities, driven by geopolitical shifts and evolving donor interests. In this webinar, which featured the expertise of multiple Myriad USA team members, we shared information about marketplace changes and trends impacting giving, as well as opportunities for impact.
The session featured Myriad USA’s expert staff:
- Sheena Agarwal, Chief Partnerships Officer
- Ellena E. Fotinatos, Chief Operating Officer & Europe Lead
- Monica Carrillo Zegarra, Director for Latin America and the Caribbean
- Kady Sylla, Director for Africa and the Middle East
Read the highlights below for a glimpse of the international philanthropy trends in 2025 shared during the webinar. You can watch the entire session recording here.
Broader Trends
The recent freeze of U.S. foreign aid has caused massive disruptions for international aid programs and organizations based overseas. Many organizations that relied on U.S. government funding are now concerned about their ability to continue operating. This funding freeze has disproportionately threatened the role of proximate leaders, who drive sustainable change in their communities. Philanthropy can fill this gap, with private foundations and donors rethinking their strategies.
Other broader international philanthropy trends include the rise of new philanthropic vehicles like collaboratives, giving circles, and multi-donor advised funds (DAFs); the uncertain role of the private sector in ethical corporate giving; and the growing interest of next-gen donors in technology and grassroots organizations.
Highlights from Regional Trends
Africa: Despite receiving less than 2% of international funding, African-led nonprofits and social impact organizations consistently show high impact due to their deep understanding of local communities. There is especially a need for U.S. investment in West Africa and Francophone Africa, which receive even less visibility and funding.
Middle East: In the Middle East, opportunities for innovation are emerging despite the region’s fragility. Countries like Syria, under new leadership, are creating national dialogues for inclusive development. Donors can engage in social impact through youth and women in peace-building processes and community development.
Europe: Despite budget cuts, European institutions are enhancing their fundraising efforts, presenting opportunities for U.S. donors to support arts and culture. Other opportunities for philanthropic investment in Europe include youth unemployment, social cohesion, migration, aging populations, economic stress, and climate.
Latin America and the Caribbean: The influx of migrants, including due to increased deportations from the United States, represents a burden on the region’s social services. The region also faces challenges related to the drug trade and illegal mining which creates opportunities to support farmers transitioning to sustainable agricultural practices. Climate change is a significant concern in the Caribbean and in the Amazon region, which faces devastating fires and related health impacts. Collaborative efforts between countries like Bolivia and Brazil are essential to address these challenges. The blue economy in the Caribbean also presents opportunities for investment.
Asia and the Pacific: Asia remains highly disaster-prone, with a growing interest in and need to fund mental health initiatives in the region. India continues to be a challenging country to navigate with regards to foreign contributions to the nonprofit sector. Despite this hurdles, Myriad USA continues to facilitate giving to India which is our largest Asia market.
You can watch the entire session recording here.
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This webinar is presented by Myriad USA, the leading resource for philanthropic giving overseas – a trusted advisor to individuals, families, corporations, and foundations seeking to support their favorite causes, anywhere across the globe. Discover our full portfolio of services at https://myriadusa.org/services/.