Switzerland is the world’s second-best location for charitable foundations and philanthropic engagement. This has been determined by researchers at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy of the University of Indiana. It established the Global Philanthropy Environment Index for the years 2018 to 2020 together with 100 specialists on 91 countries. Georg von Schnurbein from the Center for Philanthropy Studies of the University of Basel collaborated for Switzerland.
This index measures the extent to which charitable engagement is encouraged. The average index score for all of the countries examined was 3.63. Liechtenstein scored the best average of 4.91, followed by Norway and Switzerland (both 4.83), Germany (4.78), and the USA (4.76). Overall, only twelve countries, or 13 percent, achieved scores in the highest range of 4.50 to 5.00. A restrictive environment was demonstrated by 38 percent of the countries, for instance due to the prevention of international financial flows. Belarus, Venezuela, and Iran were at the bottom of the list.
According to the authors, an additional data analysis confirmed positive correlation between the overall scores for philanthropy and gross domestic product per individual. They add that the future of philanthropy will be shaped by new technologies and the digitization of donations.
At the end of this study, it is stated that this index raises awareness of the importance of a positive philanthropic environment. The authors add: “This Index provides tools for decision-makers to remove barriers and to promote philanthropy, thereby helping it address the key issues of the future, from sustainable development to climate change to creating an environment where all human beings can flourish.”
