A Philanthropist's Guide to Giving is a handbook for philanthropists and foundations with the desire to practice strategic, impactful philanthropy in Asia. Few resources exist in the Asia region that can serve as references along the full journey of philanthropy. This guide touches on all relevant points at the various stages of this journey — from designing a philanthropy strategy or involving family members in giving, to evaluating the impact of philanthropy or pursuing collaboration while giving.
If you are embarking on a philanthropy journey yourself, this guide is intended to serve as a go-to resource for your path forward. It aims to answer your most important questions by introducing different frameworks and highlighting key considerations. It will not prescribe a single "best" way for philanthropy, but instead enable you to be more confident and informed in crafting your own approach.
Notably, this guide is tailored for the Asian experience, based on the learnings from the Asia Philanthropy Circle (APC) and its members. The book has distilled key lessons from seven years of in-depth engagement with APC members; it features 31 case studies of Asia-based philanthropists, bringing the reality of giving on the ground in Asia to you.
By presenting different approaches to philanthropy, best-in-class models and examples, as well as practical insights from APC members and learnings from APC projects, you will be well-equipped to explore and expand your giving in Asia.
Sample Chapter(s)
Foreword
Introduction
Contents:
- Foreword
- How to Use This Guide
- About APC
- Acknowledgements
- Contents — Case Studies
- Contents — Additional Highlights
- Introduction
- Strategising: Crafting Pathways towards Goals
- Structuring: Setting Up a Successful System for Impact
- Family: Transforming Giving into a Family Legacy
- Executing: Translating Plans into Practice
- Evaluating: Incorporating Evidence for Effectiveness
- Collaborating: Maximising Impact through Collective Action
- Conclusion
Readership: Philanthropists, foundation and non-profit professionals, and other professional advisors and individuals interested in the field of philanthropy.
"Philanthropy has a critical role in addressing the world's most intractable issues to create meaningful change. The work we do as APC members is critically important and interconnected. We should be leveraging our experiences and capabilities for the most impactful outcomes. Tools such as APC's Philanthropist's Guide enable us to share best practice and encourage more strategic and visionary action."
Dr Andrew Forrest AO
Chairman & Co-Founder, Minderoo Foundation and Tattarang
Chairman & Founder, Fortescue Metals Group and
Fortescue Future Industries
"In philanthropy, as in life, it is sometimes necessary or desirable to collaborate with others. This guide contains wisdom and good advice on how to collaborate successfully with other philanthropists, private sector and government."
Professor Tommy Koh
Chairman, SymAsia Foundation, Credit Suisse
Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore
"As someone who transitioned over from the corporate sector, I believe that data is critical for drawing key insights that can shape decision-making and organizational strategy. Having a robust M&E framework does not need to be overly complex, but needs to tie sharply with the organization's 'North Star' and should be an iterative process that the organization can learn from.
At the end of the day, the measurable impact on the ground is what truly matters. APC's guide, particularly the section on evaluation, contains excellent frameworks and leading questions for philanthropists to think about their M&E process and how to measure impact."
Ashish Dhawan
Founder and CEO of The Convergence Foundation
Senior Advisor of Accelerate Indian Philanthropy
Co-Founder of Chrysalis Capital
"APC's latest publication A Philanthropist's Guide to Giving: Asia-Based Insights from Asia Philanthropy Circle is a must-read for anybody working in Philanthropy or interested in learning about M&E and why investing in it is crucial to build an effective, high impact organisation.
Specifically, the foundation case studies were interesting and brought to light how we should focus on what is meaningful to measure, and not what is easy. A robust and responsive M&E system guides your journey towards sustainable impact, and this publication by APC provides very good insights towards that."
Dato' Shahira Ahmed Bazari
Trustee and Managing Director of Yayasan Hasanah
About the Asia Philanthropy Circle (APC)
ASIA PHILANTHROPY CIRCLE (APC) is a membership-based platform for philanthropists to learn, connect and collaborate towards advancing a better Asia.
Founded in 2015 by philanthropists for philanthropists, APC's mission is to accelerate private action for the public good by addressing systemic challenges through collaborative philanthropy. APC is a registered charity headquartered in Singapore.
With more than 50 members from 13 markets representing over US100 billion of combined family wealth, APC is home to a diverse network of philanthropists across Asia. Regardless of their background, age and interests, APC members have a shared vision of philanthropy as a tool for bettering society.
APC serves several needs and functions:
- APC helps members take action by supporting learning, sharing new opportunities and best practices, and facilitating connections with peers, experts and best-in-class implementing organisations.
- APC enables members to improve their practice of philanthropy by providing opportunities to learn, connect and collaborate.
- APC strengthens the wider philanthropic ecosystem in Asia by convening philanthropists across the region, encouraging members to engage actively in the ecosystem and providing thought leadership and useful resources that address key issues in the sector.
About the Author
BRADLEY WO is Asia Philanthropy Circle's former Knowledge Resources Manager. In this role, Bradley oversaw the organisation's thought leadership and research pieces, which included the authoring and development of the Philanthropist's Guide to Giving and the Future of Asian Philanthropy.
Bradley has worked at foundations, social sector intermediaries, non-profits and international development aid organisations in the United States and Asia. He has also co-founded the non-profit, Learning Across Borders, to grow environmental education opportunities for students in the Asia-Pacific region.
Bradley completed his Master's degree in China Studies at the Yenching Academy of Peking University in 2019 with a thesis titled "Charitable China: An Analysis of the Top 50 Philanthropists". Bradley received a BS in Science, Technology, and Sociology from Stanford University and is pursuing his MBA at NYU Stern School of Business.
About the Editor-in-Chief
LAURENCE LIEN is Co-Founder and founding CEO of the Asia Philanthropy Circle.
Laurence is also the Chairman of Lien Foundation, a family foundation established in 1980, that has become well-regarded for its forward-thinking and radical approach in the fields of education, eldercare and the environment, as well as the Chairman of Lien AID, the foundation's humanitarian arm.
Laurence was the CEO of the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre in Singapore from 2008–2014. In 2008, he founded the Community Foundation of Singapore and was its Chairman from 2013–2019. He is also Board Member of the Lien Centre for Social Innovation at the Singapore Management University.
Prior to his work in the non-profit sector, Laurence served in the Singapore Administrative Service, which forms the top echelon of public service leaders in Singapore. Laurence holds degrees from Oxford University, the National University of Singapore and Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. In 2010, Laurence was awarded the Eisenhower Fellowship. He was also a Nominated Member of Parliament in Singapore from 2012–2014.
