Gaps in International Giving: A Qualitative Study of Leading International Grantmaking Organizations

Background and Purpose:

The United States has a long tradition of private philanthropic giving to those in need across nations.  In 2014, private donors, individuals and organizations, gave about $15.1 billion towards international affairs. Social workers have been pivotal in facilitating international giving for a long time now. They have been responsible for spearheading development programs internationally. However, despite the increasing monies being transferred to nations in need, there exist significant challenges in the development status of these nations. Hence, the study was designed with the aim of understanding the gaps in donations being made by grantmaking organizations and, the associated role of social workers to fill these gaps.

Methods:

Due to the exploratory nature of the research, the current study used a qualitative, multiple case study approach. Primary data for the study were collected through in-depth telephone interviews with staff members from nine grantmaking organizations (n=9). The semi-structured interview format adopted in the study allowed for the adjustment of the questionnaire based on responses from the interviewees and the need for focusing on areas requiring supplemental research. The data from these interviews were supplemented with secondary data sources such as publicly available organization reports and publications, and information from the organization’s website.

Although the organizations included varied by size (total financial support rendered), geography (location in the U.S. and operational areas in India), and focus, the nature of questions that were being investigated were similar across the board. The study employed purposive sampling to identify nine grantmaking organizations that were based in the U.S. and had provided grants to international development programs for three or more year(s). These grantmaking organizations included corporate and independent foundations as well as non-profit organizations that are philanthropic intermediaries.

Results:

Many participants indicated that excessive focus on the outcome of the program rather than the strategy adopted to achieve it, compromised it’s success. Lack of collaboration between grantmaking organizations, being goal driven and laying emphasis solely on numbers; differences in the rationale for investment among community based and grantmaking organizations, skewed M&E mechanisms were some challenges that proved as impediments to scaling up or completion of development programs. Some organizations acknowledged the involvement of social workers whilst others were unaware of the role social workers can potentially play. Most organizations acknowledged the presence of social workers merely in administration related roles.

Conclusion and Implications:

Tapping into the expertise of social workers in the area of collaboration, interpersonal skills, management skills, program evaluation and research can be beneficial in the aim of addressing gaps in international giving. Their skills make them suited to work with international grantmaking organizations and community partners at the same time.  This is an area where the involvement of social workers has been minimal despite their skills and training. In order to successfully address the challenges in international giving, it is essential for more social workers to step in and redefine it.