A culture of generosity

Posted on February 28, 2024 by Kathi Badertscher

Kathi Badertscher and Jeannie Sager pose for a photo with NGO staff. — Left to right: Saudi Friendship staff member, Dr. Yahya Alzahrani, Saudi Friendship General Manager Hesham Alkhateeb, Dr. Kathi Badertscher, Al-Ahsa Tour Guide, Dr. Jessie Lecy, Jeannie Sager, Saudi Friendship high school student volunteer.

In December 2023 I traveled to Saudi Arabia with friend and colleague Jeannie Sager. We had the honor of being two of three women presenters at the Eleventh Forum for the Development of the Non-Profit Sector. While I have been privileged to travel personally and professionally many times, this was my first trip to the Middle East. The experience was full of powerful impressions that will last a lifetime.

In this blog post I reflect on the Saudi Arabian culture of hospitality and generosity. The Kingdom has been famous for its culture of hospitality for those traveling to its holy cities Mecca and Medina to perform Hajj, the sacred Islamic pilgrimage. I was overwhelmed, however, that the welcoming culture would extend to the far eastern region of the country – especially to a white woman in Western attire. I purchased my tourist visa online and received approval almost instantaneously. Naturally, I expected politeness during our stay, but Jeannie and I were welcomed with open arms – beginning with the passport control officer at the airport. He peppered me with questions exuding curiosity and warmth, not interrogation: was this my first time in the Kingdom? What U.S. state did I come from? What are my impressions so far? Staff in restaurants, shops, and our hotel asked us throughout our stay how we were enjoying the country.

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Philanthropy in Nepal

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Rewati Raman Dhakal

Bowls with donations at the Swayambhunath temple in Kathmandu, Nepal.

“From Traditional Practices to Modern Trends and Challenges of Philanthropy in Nepal”

Philanthropy is of great importance in Nepali society and reflects commitments deeply rooted in the country’s diverse religious and cultural landscape. Growing ownership and motivation of people to solve common societal problems has also been a key element for increased philanthropic activities in Nepal. While much of the philanthropic activity is informal, the number of philanthropic organizations has recently grown, and they are actively engaged in various types of philanthropic work. This blog post provides insights into traditional practices, modern trends, challenges, and recommendations for philanthropy in Nepal, among individuals and organizations.

Faith, Culture, and Traditions

The major faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam each contribute to a wide range of altruistic practices, exemplified by the cultural traditions of daan (donations), zakat (almsgiving), and bhiksha (food given as alms). About 81.19% of the Nepali population[1] identifies as Hindu, and the Hindu act of giving, known as “Daan,” plays a major role in society. It has greater significance than either chanting mantras, performing Yajna (ritual done in front of sacred fire), performing pilgrimages or fasting in achieving dharma (fulfillment of religious and moral duties) and alleviating sins. Daan is also carried out during religious events and has significantly contributed in carrying out philanthropic projects. Among the various forms of giving, Tula Daan (scale donation) is one of the unique customs in Nepal. While Tula Daan is rarely observable to the public eye, it involves individual donations of specific items equal to the giver’s body weight, such as grain or other items available within their income. Tula Daan was initially associated with deterring adverse planetary effects and achieving religious goals, but it has evolved in recent years to include contributing to social objectives. Modern examples include individuals donating their weight in books to support local libraries or people donating coins or cash to support orphanages, hospitals, schools, and community projects.

Philanthropist Recognized as National Hero

As we reflect on the history of Nepalese philanthropy and recognition of philanthropists, a special honor is given to Mr. Sankhadhar Sakhwa. Sakhwa is considered to be a benevolent figure. During the reign of Licchavi king Ananda Dev (879 AD), he liquidated the debts of the Nepalese people and ushered in a new era known as Nepali Sambat, a transformative act. Notably, the Government of Nepal officially named Sankhadar Sakhwa as one of the national heroes of Nepal on November 18, 1999 (B.S. 2056-08-02). Additionally, on November 26, 2023, the Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp featuring his likeness to highlight the lasting impact of his philanthropic legacy.[2]

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The Social Enterprise Craze: CSO Financial Sustainability in Ghana

Posted on January 29, 2024 by Noemí Oeding

Students gather to sing and share a meal in the courtyard at B.A.S.I.C.S. International prior to receiving afterschool tutoring. B.A.S.I.C.S. International, a nonprofit organization located in Accra, Ghana, graciously hosted students from Auburn University as they conducted field research in October 2019. — Students gather to sing and share a meal in the courtyard at B.A.S.I.C.S. International.

Known for its long-lasting, mostly stable democracy, Ghana has long been considered a “donor darling” in sub-Saharan Africa. Since the mid-1980s, international donors and foreign governments have generously supported civil society organizations (CSOs) in the country. This has led to a robust civil society sector with a large number of organizations focused on everything from direct service provision to advocacy. For example, between 2012 and 2020, the number of registered CSOs nearly doubled from approximately 5,700 to 10,030 (USAID). However, the sector is also heavily reliant on foreign funders, with approximately 70 to 90 percent of Ghanaian CSO funding from international sources.

This heavy investment from international donors was upended in 2010 when the World Bank re-classified Ghana as a lower-middle income country. In response, several international funders indicated that they would reduce financial outlays in Ghana in order to divert those funds to countries with greater need. Indeed, Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Ghana fell from approximately $1.8 billion in 2011 to approximately $900 million in 2019. While there was a surge of aid in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the increase was temporary. By 2021, aid was once again on the decline, nearing 2018 levels at about $1.2 billion.

Several government proclamations have further complicated the funding environment. The most recent of these, “Ghana Beyond Aid” (released April 2019) declared Ghana’s intention to be “aid-free” sometime in the near future. Although the charter is ostensibly designed to motivate the Ghanaian government to provide for its needs with minimal support from external sources, the document has caused confusion among international donors and CSOs operating in Ghana. Our research found that many CSO leaders viewed “Ghana Beyond Aid” as political propaganda, but were still concerned that these types of aspirational proclamations would cause foreign donors to further reduce aid—aid that the government does not have the capacity to replace.

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Giving as Doing and Being: A Ugandan Perspective

Posted on January 18, 2024 by Dennis Kilama

Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi (Uganda). © CRA-terre. Author: Sébastien Moriset.

By: Dennis Kilama

After 15 years of active involvement in the nonprofit sector in Uganda, I joined the Ph.D. program at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy to integrate research with practice in the Ugandan nonprofit sector. At the same time, I am keen to bring a Ugandan perspective to understanding the broader concept of philanthropy. Overall, my research interests intersect with financial sustainability, nonprofit organizations, and traditional African giving practices. In this blog post, I draw from giving practices in Uganda, a country in East Africa, to reflect on the broader concept of philanthropy.

Giving in Uganda is expressed as “doing good actions.” People give to specific causes. For example, people give to others during important life milestones, such as birth, weddings, and funerals.[i] Traditionally, it is expected for family members and friends to give gifts when a child is born; this is at the point you see the child for the first time. Giving at weddings is also a common practice, with special wedding committees established and wedding fundraising meetings arranged where gifts are auctioned, compelling people to give towards the items that would make the typically large traditional and religious wedding successful. Giving is also practiced during moments of death to ensure that the grieving family is supported with things during the season of mourning.

In addition to actions, giving in Uganda is also about “being present.”[ii] If someone dies in a village, the village people are expected to support the bereaved family and be physically present at the funeral. If an individual only sends a financial contribution and instead attends to their farm and not the funeral, that individual is considered a social misfit. The gift is despised because the giver is assumed to value themselves and their gift more than the recipient. The impression that you value material things over people socially disconnects you from others. To opt for financial contributions only instead of physical presence at a funeral is thus a cultural insult. While people may reciprocate and provide a financial or in-kind donation, giving as action and presence in essential life milestones is very important and more culturally respectful. Thus, philanthropy in Uganda is about giving gifts in cash or in-kind and being present to experience joy or trial with others. In this case, philanthropy is collective and a cause and effect of social connectivity.

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What I learned as a student at COP29: Advocacy, Listening, and Action

Posted on January 5, 2024 by Jane Morrow

By Valerie Grau

“Refugees have no escape; you flee in one direction you are met with one danger you flee in another direction you are met with another danger. The climate crisis is drastically impacting our lives. If it hasn’t yet it will soon impact yours1.” The words of Grace Dorong, a former refugee from South Sudan, have resonated deeply throughout my time at COP29. As an International Studies master’s student and research assistant with the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, I was thrilled to join the IU student delegation going to COP29. The impactful session on climate-based migration that featured Grace Dorong – along with numerous other thought-provoking presentations and discussions of COP29 – reminded me that as the climate crisis worsens and the needs of funding continue to increase, it is imperative we understand philanthropy’s role in addressing the climate crisis.

As I reflect on my time at COP29, which was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, I am filled with a sense of purpose and urgency. The conference was not only a platform to engage with global leaders and activists but also an educational journey that deepened my understanding of the intersections between climate justice, human rights, and international collaboration. I was struck by the diversity of participants, from policymakers and grassroots activists to youth leaders and researchers. Around every corner there were awe inspiring protests. People joined together filling space with their singing or just silence. The voices of Indigenous leaders and activists from the Global South were among the most powerful. They spoke of the impacts of rising temperatures, displacement, food insecurity, and the threats to their cultural heritage. Their stories not only amplified the voices of those often overshadowed in international forums, but also reminded me of the essential role of global solidarity in the fight against climate change.

A compelling discussion focused on climate mobility and the urgent need for stronger protection for those displaced by environmental crises. Experts and advocates highlighted how rising sea levels and extreme weather events are displacing communities, underscoring the critical need for adequate international legal frameworks to safeguard their rights and dignity. I was particularly struck by the stories of Tuvalu and Samoa, where rising sea levels and coastal erosion are already displacing many. The session emphasized the critical intersection of climate justice and human rights, urging policymakers to adopt inclusive migration policies and international agreements that recognize climate-displaced persons and invest in adaptation measures. The negotiations, as expected, were complex and often tense.

Attending COP29 was more than just a professional development opportunity, it was a call to action. It solidified my commitment to pursuing a career that bridges human rights and climate advocacy. It showed me how important this intersection is and how work still needs to be done to address these key issues. The conference reinforced the importance of collective action for real change. No single country or individual can tackle the climate crisis alone. It requires all of us. In a powerful discussion on the UNHCR’s new report on climate refugees titled “Nowhere to Run”, Dorong left listeners with this poignant statement:

“I hope the voices of the people in this report help decision-makers to understand that if not addressed, forced displacement – and the multiplying effect of climate change – will get worse. But if they listen to us, we can be part of the solution, too.”

As I move forward, I carry with me the stories of those on the frontlines of the climate crisis. We must take collective action and hold ourselves accountable. The world needs your voice in the fight for climate justice. The world needs your voice in the fight for climate justice.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

About the Author

Valerie Grau is a master’s student at Indiana University Bloomington, pursuing International Studies and Voice Performance. With a strong academic foundation and professional experience as a research assistant at IU Lilly School of Philanthropy, Valerie is deeply passionate about global human rights and climate justice. Attending COP29 was a pivotal moment in her journey, as it reinforced her commitment to addressing pressing global challenges through advocacy and policy. Valerie aspires to attend law school to specialize in human rights law, with the ultimate goal of contributing to transformative change on a global scale.