A Comparative Index of Philanthropic Freedom

This project addresses important issues of liberal democracies, including individual freedom and the integrity of civil society. We will create an Index of Philanthropic Freedom, the first indicator-based competition in philanthropy, that cross-nationally compares the freedom of giving by individuals and organizations. The comparison will lead to growth in generosity, civil society, and human potential. Activities include review of existing indexes and studies to collect indicators on tax policies, non-profit registration, giving incentives within a country and across borders, among others. We will convene experts to review existing indicators and develop methodologies to collect missing data. Indicators will be weighted to develop a pilot index that ranks 10 countries. Results will be reviewed and disseminated via briefings, white papers, academic papers, and in professional fora. Outputs include: 1)indicators assessing countries' philanthropic freedom; 2)methodologies for collecting missing indicator data; 3)data collected for at least 10 countries; 4)preliminary rankings of countries; and, 5)recommendations for improvement. Outcomes include: 1)the concept of an indicator-based competition in philanthropic freedom is accepted by experts; 2)a core group of researchers are knowledgeable in methodologies to measure philanthropic freedom; and, 3)further research on philanthropic freedom is valued by governments and private donors. Comparing and publicizing philanthropic freedom will reduce barriers to generosity, leading to growth in private endeavors' philanthropy and entrepreneurship. The project will help create sources of wealth outside of government control, allowing for individual freedom and free enterprise to rise in democracies where citizens hold governments accountable. Growth in intermediary organizations brings people from diverse backgrounds together to address common problems creating the pluralism so critical for democracies to flourish.