Foundations as funders

According to the results of the OECD survey (data questionnaire) foundations gave USD 23.9 billion for development in 2013-15.While these contributions remain relatively modest compared to ODA (5% of the three‑year total) and financing for development more broadly, foundations were major partners in some specific areas such as the health and reproductive health sectors (foundations’ support was the third-largest source of financing for developing countries). In general, over the period surveyed, health was the main sector targeted by philanthropic giving – far ahead of the other sectors – with 53% of the total in 2013-15 (or USD 12.6 billion).This chapter examines the data collected through the survey questionnaire and provides an in-depth analysis of private philanthropy distribution by recipient, income group and sector. It also describes the main modalities of giving used by the philanthropic foundations, in particular the institutions through which they channel most of their funding.