The Index of Philanthropic Freedom 2015 is the first analysis of philanthropic freedom across the world. By examining barriers and incentives for individuals and organizations to donate money and time to social causes, Hudson Institute’s Center for Global Prosperity (CGP) has measured, ranked, and compared countries on their ease of giving. The research is a major step in identifying the public policy actions to encourage private giving which, in turn, can increase generosity.
Study findings contradict the notion that developed countries have laws and regulations most conducive to philanthropy. Over a third of surveyed countries with low per capita income (less than $25,000) earned philanthropic freedom scores in the top half of the study.
The new Index provides a detailed analysis of the legal barriers and incentives to philanthropy in both developed and developing countries. Local experts from 64 countries participated in the study, which includes country-specific reports, trends, and policy recommendations. Results of the Index are also available as an interactive map graphic
The study was made possible through the support of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the International Development Research Centre, the John Templeton Foundation, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Read the full press release.
View the interactive map graphic.
For media inquiries, please contact Carolyn Stewart Dr. Carol Adelman and country-specific Index partners are available for interviews.
Coverage:
The Chronicle of Philanthropy, “Netherlands Tops List of Charity-Friendly Countries, Study Says”
Philanthropy News Digest, “Hudson Institute Releases 'Index of Philanthropic Freedom'”
NonProfit Times, “U.S. Second in Philanthropic Freedom”
Austrian Economics Center, “Barriers to Philanthropy in Austria”
Pro-Bono Australia, “Aussie Philanthropists Struggling With Red Tape”