The 2024 World Giving Index highlights a reality often overlooked in traditional philanthropy circles: generosity isn’t exclusive to wealth. In fact, the report reveals a striking insight – people in lower- and middle-income countries often lead the way in global giving, not despite their economic conditions but sometimes because of them.

From Indonesia, which has topped the World Giving Index for seven consecutive years, to countries like Kenya, Liberia, and Ukraine, the data tells a compelling story of true philanthropy living among people, not just in the institutions designed to formalize it.

These findings challenge a common assumption that wealthier countries in the Global North contribute more to philanthropy. Instead, communities in the Global South, facing their own economic and social challenges, have consistently outperformed their counterparts since the global corona pandemic . These findings demand a reevaluation of what philanthropy is, who drives it, and whether the institutions currently representing it are equipped to honor its true spirit.

The Disconnect Between Philanthropy and Wealth

The word “philanthropy” derives from the Greek philos (love) and anthropos (humanity), which suggests a pure, selfless love for others. However, modern philanthropy has often shifted to signify financial transactions, grant-making, and brand-aligned initiatives. Wealth has come to define the narrative, creating a misconception that generosity requires deep pockets. In reality, everyday acts of kindness, from sharing resources with strangers to sending remittances home, embody the very essence of philanthropy.

In the top 20 of the World Giving Index, the Global South is represented not by billionaires but by individuals and communities that embody giving as a daily practice. This reveals a quiet but profound truth: true philanthropy isn’t transactional but relational. For many people in these communities, giving isn’t tied to tax benefits, brand reputation, or corporate social responsibility metrics. It is rooted in human connection, empathy, and survival, an ethos that Western philanthropy would do well to remember.

Rebranding Philanthropy Beyond the “VIP” Club

Edgar Villanueva, author of Decolonizing Wealth, argues that philanthropy often loses its soul in formal institutions, where the spirit of generosity is reframed as a VIP club. By focusing on large sums of money and institutional influence, traditional philanthropy risks alienating the very communities it aims to help. In his words, “actual philanthropists … are much more prevalent among the regular population and are only rarely found inside the field’s formal institutions.” Philanthropy becomes a form of storytelling, curated by wealthy foundations rather than expressed by everyday people who live it.

If we are to honor the spirit of philanthropy, we must move beyond these exclusive definitions. The data on immigrants, who are shown to be more likely to give than nationals, highlights this further. Many immigrants engage in giving not as an institutional responsibility but as a cultural value—sending small sums back home, volunteering, or donating within their communities. These acts are rarely highlighted in global giving narratives yet represent some of the most impactful forms of philanthropy.

The Global South As A Model of Grassroots Philanthropy

Countries across Africa and Southeast Asia, despite economic adversity, have consistently risen in the World Giving Index. Indonesia’s sustained presence at the top of the list for seven years reveals a model of philanthropy that Western institutions have yet to fully recognize or replicate. Countries like Kenya, Liberia, and Nigeria contribute from a place of communal responsibility, showing that giving can be about collective strength rather than individual wealth.

In African cultures, the spirit of Ubuntu, which means “I am because we are,” serves as a philosophical foundation for generosity. People help one another out of a sense of shared existence, not because they have extra wealth to spare. It’s a narrative that contradicts the dependency myth often associated with the Global South and illustrates that communities here don’t need Western saviors. Instead, they need respect for and acknowledgment of their longstanding philanthropic traditions.

Philanthropy as a Human Ethos, Not a Transaction

If we continue to equate philanthropy with money, we risk bankrupting its very soul. When we measure philanthropy purely in financial terms, we ignore the vast contributions made by people who give what little they have to make a difference. Real philanthropy is not just giving for the sake of giving—it’s giving out of a deep sense of connection, of obligation, and of humanity. This form of generosity doesn’t fit neatly into spreadsheets or annual reports, but its impact is undeniable.

The challenge for institutions and individuals alike is to expand the narrative. We must shift our perception from philanthropy as a financial gesture to philanthropy as a way of life. The love of humanity doesn’t require a balance sheet; it requires compassion, shared responsibility, and the willingness to act.

Reimagining the Future of Philanthropy

The World Giving Index invites us to rethink the pillars of philanthropy. The countries that top this index remind us that money, while helpful, isn’t everything. If we broaden our understanding of giving, we can redefine philanthropy in a way that is inclusive and accessible to all.

In embracing this vision, the future of philanthropy could become less about large sums donated by a few and more about collective, compassionate acts by the many. By telling the stories of everyday philanthropists and respecting diverse giving traditions, we not only strengthen our communities but also honor the original meaning of philanthropy.

The time has come to shatter the myth of Global South dependency and instead celebrate the resilience and generosity that thrive within it. True philanthropy isn’t about wealth; it’s about a shared commitment to humanity. Let’s reclaim philanthropy for what it truly is: a love of humanity expressed in every way possible, by every person able to give.