Chapter 9: Global Philanthropy and Cross-Cultural Fundraising

Cultures influence how people relate to generosity. As a result, philanthropy varies significantly across countries worldwide, as well as among social groups within countries like the United States that are the home of highly diverse populations. 

This chapter gathers key elements of knowledge and practice to address philanthropy and fundraising globally with distinctive cultural, religious, and societal traditions—including in non-Western areas. It also discusses the importance of learning about and respecting specific approaches to philanthropy when engaging in fundraising. Beyond a “one size fits all” mentality, this chapter presents time-tested principles and important lessons for savvy fundraisers to acquire cultural proficiency and embrace change. This will ultimately benefit fundraisers themselves as well as the nonprofit organizations they represent, the donors they engage, and the beneficiaries they serve. Understanding diverse identities and adapting to cultural differences are essential skills to raise funds from global communities and to navigate an ever more interdependent world.