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Philanthropy is coming alive in China and key players are showing a keen interest in American philanthropy, with an emphasis on the professional giving of American foundations.
China has non-government organizations - what we call nonprofits. But donors to these organizations are not eligible for any tax deduction unless the organizations are sanctioned by the government as "non-government government organizations." Currently there are very few of these sanctioned organizations, but from all the new activity and awareness it appears that more will be allowed by the government.
There are thousands of the unsanctioned non-government organizations; they are small and are what could be called grassroot entities run by committed people.
Several American foundations are showing interest in China and giving for particular programs, such as developing cleaner burning of coal (David & Lucile Packard Foundation), or paying the cost of every child in one province who has heart defects and needs surgery (Ping and Amy Chao Foundation). These foundations are also interested in the development of organized philanthropy in China.
Chinese program officials and academics readily admit they are a generation behind the United States in the development of professional philanthropy. Thus they are interested in the history of American philanthropy, the kinds of programs that are supported by foundations, and how foundations operate.
Philanthropy in China is striking a balance between what the government will allow and implementing new ideas. It is an exciting time because of the eagerness of the Chinese to create social service programs and involve philanthropy in doing so.
This is the first article on China. A second article will be written when Bill Somerville returns from his visit to China.
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