Philanthropy — University philanthropy and giving blog

Global education philanthropy is shifting in Africa’s favour

African universities are operating in a challenging philanthropic environment, with limited local high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and far fewer internal fundraising resources than institutions in North America or Europe. Yet, the landscape is shifting—and in Africa’s favour. This article explores five emerging trends that suggest African universities may be on the cusp of a new era in philanthropic opportunity, including the rising wealth class in Africa; the globalisation of philanthropy; the rise of diaspora networks and giving; the impact of Next-Gen philanthropy; and technology’s impact on philanthropy.

Andrew WigleyMarch 15, 2024University, Philanthropy, Next generation, Diaspora giving

Oxford, Vietnam and the business of philanthropic risk

The £155m donation to the University of Oxford by Vietnamese business woman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao which will lead to the renaming of the University’s Linacre College in her honour places a spotlight on how many of the leading universities fundraise. This one was bound to cause a stir. Oxford is the jewel in the crown and the renaming of one its colleges – a rare event but not without precedence – would beg questions about the role of overseas money in influencing British higher education and fundamentally changing the character of one of the nation’s great institutions.

Is the Silicon Valley Community Foundation the world's most influential foundation?

Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF) is the United States’ biggest community foundation – by far. Established in 2007, it is also one of the youngest community foundations and that, perhaps, is equally as important in the context of our latest research as its financial firepower. SVCF disburses huge sums of money and its importance is down to the fact it represents a wide group of philanthropists – often internationally by background or instinct – who have chosen to channel their philanthropy through the Foundation.