Finance for sustainable development

Finance for sustainable development  OECD

Finance for sustainable development

Finance for sustainable development

Philanthropic Funding for Development

Philanthropic funding for development is on the rise. It can be more flexible and disruptive than funding from other sources. It is a force for change in the international development system. Yet, philanthropic flows remain modest compared to those from governments, bilateral and multilateral donors, and most philanthropic foundations do not have a presence in the field. By engaging with development partners, foundations can identify unmet needs, learn from effective approaches and co-ordinate their actions.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015. They aim to address the most pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges facing the world today. Philanthropic funding plays a crucial role in achieving these goals.

  1. No Poverty: Philanthropic funding can help alleviate poverty by supporting initiatives that provide access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, and healthcare.
  2. Zero Hunger: Philanthropic organizations can contribute to ending hunger by funding projects that promote sustainable agriculture, improve food security, and support small-scale farmers.
  3. Good Health and Well-being: Through funding healthcare programs and initiatives, philanthropic foundations can help improve access to quality healthcare services, reduce maternal and child mortality rates, and combat diseases.
  4. Quality Education: Philanthropic funding can support educational initiatives that ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all, including scholarships, teacher training programs, and infrastructure development.

Engaging with Development Partners

To maximize their impact, philanthropic foundations should engage with development partners. By collaborating with governments, bilateral and multilateral donors, and other stakeholders, foundations can:

  • Identify unmet needs: By working together, development partners can identify gaps in existing programs and target resources towards areas that require additional support.
  • Learn from effective approaches: Sharing knowledge and best practices with development partners can help philanthropic foundations enhance the effectiveness of their interventions and achieve better outcomes.
  • Co-ordinate actions: Coordinating efforts with other stakeholders can prevent duplication of efforts and ensure a more coherent and comprehensive approach to development.

By actively engaging with development partners, philanthropic foundations can contribute significantly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and drive positive change in the international development system.

Source: oecd.org