The Commission on Asian Philanthropy's Interim Report provides the first comprehensive research on the scale and scope of philanthropy across much of Asia and highlights philanthropic ecosystems as a strategic asset for national development
September 7, 2026 – HONG KONG – The Commission on Asian Philanthropy, a coalition of 13 of Asia's leading philanthropic organisations, today at PBC 2026 released its Interim Report, a key milestone in its three-year initiative to better understand and strengthen the role of Asia’s domestic philanthropic ecosystems towards inclusive and sustainable growth over the next two decades.
The report highlights a distinctive feature of philanthropy across participating Asian jurisdictions: philanthropic ecosystems are shaped by contributions from citizens, businesses, and governments, reflecting a model in which community, market, and state actors participate in philanthropy together. The research shows that individuals account for approximately 50 percent of measured giving, businesses contribute 25 percent, and public discretionary funding mechanisms account for a further 21 percent. This broad-based mix of support suggests a philanthropic ecosystem characterised by participation from across society and a strong foundation for collaboration in pursuit of shared national priorities.
The Commission also provides the first comprehensive research on the scale and scope of philanthropic ecosystems across participating jurisdictions representing roughly 70 percent of Asia's population and 80 percent of its GDP. It estimates that domestic philanthropic giving across participating jurisdictions reached US$109 billion in 2024, equivalent to more than US$1 trillion over the next decade. When projected organic growth is considered, domestic philanthropic giving is expected to reach approximately US$1.5 trillion over the same period. The estimate is based on bottom-up reviews of available local data across participating jurisdictions, with official government statistics prioritised where available. Further details on the methodology are available in the Interim Report.
Yet the report argues that the significance of philanthropic ecosystems cannot be understood through funding alone. Beyond financial resources, they contribute capabilities such as trusted networks, mobilisation around shared values, institutional legitimacy, and long-term commitment that can support broader development outcomes.
Asia, home to roughly 60 percent of the world’s population and 37 percent of global wealth, has achieved remarkable development progress over recent decades, with more than a billion people having escaped extreme poverty. Yet hundreds of millions of people continue to face challenges across livelihoods, education, and health. As demographic, environmental, and technological pressures grow, the report finds that achieving inclusive and sustainable growth will require deeper collaboration across communities, markets, and states.
“One of the most important contributions of this research is that it helps show how philanthropy can be a strategic asset for national development,” said Lester Huang, Deputy Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust, one of 13 foundations on the Commission, and Chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy, a Co-Convenor of the Commission on Asian Philanthropy. “The research highlights the breadth of participation across Asia's philanthropic ecosystems, with citizens, businesses, and governments all playing important and complementary roles. It also shows that successful development efforts require capabilities that go far beyond funding alone. We hope the report encourages practical discussions about how philanthropic ecosystems can be better understood, strengthened, and cultivated in support of long-term national priorities.”
Three Key Findings
“The research shifts the question from ‘How much charitable giving is there and can we get more?’ to ‘How can philanthropic ecosystems increase overall societal impact?’” said Ichiro Kabasawa, Executive Director of The Nippon Foundation, one of 13 foundations on the Commission, representing the Asia Philanthropy Congress, a Co-Convenor of the Commission on Asian Philanthropy. “The report highlights a range of philanthropy models operating across participating jurisdictions, each contributing distinct resources and capabilities. The opportunity now is to continue examining and understanding those capabilities, learning from effective approaches, and exploring how philanthropic ecosystems can be cultivated.”
Over the coming year, Commission members will engage policymakers, philanthropies, development institutions, and other stakeholders to identify practical opportunities to strengthen philanthropic ecosystems and expand their contribution to national development. These discussions will inform the Commission's Final Report and Action Roadmap, to be released in 2027.
Download the Interim Report: report.philanthropycommission.asia
The Commission consists of the following organisations:
Co convenors:
Research Secretariat:
Platform Partner:
About the Asia Philanthropy Congress
The Asia Philanthropy Congress was launched in 2022 as a venue for inviting the leaders of organizations in the philanthropy sector, especially foundations engaged with addressing social issues in the Asia region, and promoting cooperation and coordination aimed at solving these issues. Philanthropic activities––meaning both charitable work and social contribution––have an advantage in that they allow the swift provision of assistance in areas where public assistance from government agencies, corporate activities, or social investment cannot offer sufficient solutions. The congress gathers the leaders of the Asian philanthropy sector, especially from foundations that play a leading role in such activities, aiming to identify solutions together.
About the Institute of Philanthropy
The Institute of Philanthropy was established in September 2023 through a seed grant of HK$6.8 billion (US$870 million) from The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust. Established as an independent “think-fund-do” tank for China, Asia and beyond, IoP is dedicated to promoting philanthropic thought leadership and enhancing sector capabilities at local, regional and global levels in collaboration with fellow funders. It seeks to provide an Asia-based platform bringing global stakeholders together to promote the betterment of societies everywhere.
Photo caption: Members of the Commission on Asian Philanthropy launch the Interim Report at PBC 2026, presenting new research on the scale, potential, and future development of Asia's philanthropic ecosystems. (front row l-r) Dr. Gabriel Leung, Executive Director, Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust; Her Excellency Amal Saleh Albraiki, Executive Director of Strategy and Impact, Erth Zayed Philanthropies; Zhang Jiming, Vice Chairperson, China Soong Ching Ling Foundation; Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Chairperson of the Board, Kasikornthai Foundation; Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, CEO, The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Osamah Alhenaki, Director General of Advocacy Program, King Khalid Foundation; Takashi Arikawa, Executive Director (International Affairs), The Nippon Foundation; Aditya Natraj, CEO, Piramal Foundation; (back row l-r) Takehiro Umemura, Director of the Executive Program Department, The Nippon Foundation (representing the Asia Philanthropy Congress, Co-Convenor of the Commission); Shailja Mehta, CEO, Tata Consultancy Services Foundation; Boon Heong Ng, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Temasek Foundation; Xiao Liming, Vice President, Tencent Sustainable Social Value Organization; Bobby P. Manullang, General Manager of Branch and Institutional Partnership Development, Yayasan Dompet Dhuafa Republika; Siti Kamariah Ahmad Subki, Managing Director and Trustee, Yayasan Hasanah; Brian San, Secretary-General, Institute of Philanthropy (Co-Convenor of the Commission); and Warren Ang, Founder and CEO, Voyage (Research Secretariat of the Commission).
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Institute of Philanthropy
Brian Adams
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