Paris – Over the last decade, non-state actors and especially foundations have become increasingly important in the development arena.

Estimates indicate that annual philanthropic contributions for international aid projects were estimated to be between $4.5 billion and $8 billion in 2009.

This corresponds to four to seven per cent of the amount provided by official aid donors the same year ($119.6 billion).

They have emerged as pivotal players in the development arena alongside official development aid.

Investing in social, economic or technological progress and ensuring that benefits of economic growth are shared more broadly across societies is the common ground of many foundations.

Despite foundations’ growing investment in and impact on development, the global policy debate rarely takes account of their knowledge and experience.

The OECD Development Centre’s recently launched Network of Foundations Working for Development (netFWD) will fill this gap, offering an innovative and informal forum for continuous policy dialogue and knowledge sharing.

NetFWD will help promote social and economic progress by facilitating synergies between foundations and linking foundation’s experience and innovative approaches with the policy debate.

Some prominent foundations from OECD and non-OECD countries are already amongst its founding members.

Mario Pezzini, Director of the OECD Development Centre said: “The traditional models of philanthropy are changing fast. Foundations are known for their advocacy and awareness-raising role, but they also have the capacity to innovate and take risk.

“It is key for the OECD to be tuned in to these shifts and provide a dedicated dialogue space for these prominent development actors from OECD, emerging and developing economies. We are pleased to welcome foundations around the table.”

NetFWD has a two-fold objective: first, to influence the policy agenda at the OECD and in other international forums and processes; second, to help foundations share what works and what does not on issues ranging from how to support youth employment to performance-based funding, new models of venture philanthropy and approaches to increasing impact.

Key development challenges that netFWD will focus on include inclusive growth, basic service delivery, and governance and institutions. Foundations from both OECD and non-OECD countries can become Network members to allow for an inclusive and cross-regional approach.
DD