Philanthropy by NRPs in the U.S.

According to a PCP study on philanthropic practices by Pakistani Diaspora in the USA, the community annually contributes $ 250 m in cash and kind and nearly 43.5 m hours of volunteered time, which is approximately US$ 1 billion per year. Other key findings from this study suggest the following: On average, the Pakistani- American household contributes 3.5% of its income. The largest chunk of overall giving goes directly to individuals in immediate need, rather than to institutions and organized charities. Pakistani Diaspora believes that giving directly to the needy and the deserving is superior to institutional giving. Kinship networks of friends and extended family (as opposed to organized charities) play a critical role in this direct giving to needy individuals. A sense of faith-based moral duty to be charitable and to give to the poor is a major motivator of philanthropy by Pakistani Diaspora in the US, but faith-based organizations are not a major direct recipient of their giving. Their faith-motivated giving is mostly channeled directly to the poor and deserving individuals in dire need. The desire to help individuals in need is cited as an even more important reason to give than the motivation of faith. Social issues – especially the issue of poverty and helping the needy but also including education, health, civil and human rights, and community development – are amongst the most cited issues that people contribute to and wish to contribute to. The other findings of this study discuss the hurdles that make it difficult to give more to Pakistan. I shall highlight those tomorrow. Source: A Pakistan Center for Philanthropy Study This study was funded by a grant from The Rockefeller Foundation USA and commissioned to the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy through the Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. The field research was conducted by a team of fifteen researchers led by Professor Adil Najam, Associate Professor of International Negotiation & Diplomacy, The Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy, Tufts University.