Fourth Annual Index of Global Philanthropy and Remittances Shows Private Philanthropy, Remittances Provide Lifeline to Developing Countries During Recession

Global generosity is on the rise abroad in both developed and developing countries. This year's Index breaks new ground by documenting private giving in eleven developed countries outside the United States, identifying a new total of $12 billion for all other donors. Private giving continues to transform the decades-old government aid architecture in other countries as well, from Chinese action-star turned celebrity-philanthropist Jet Li helping Chinese earthquake victims, to Tony Blair's charitable foundation reaching out to countries in need.

The Index also analyzes how technology has broken down national borders in global giving. From the first-ever "Twestival" fundraising event for users of the popular Twitter, to new Internet-based giving platforms, to innovative cell-phone based technologies that enable migrants to send money home more easily, private giving is being transformed into "Philanthropy 2.0."

"The Obama administration is well positioned to launch a new business model for foreign aid, one which uses government dollars largely to help successful philanthropic projects scale up," says Dr. Adelman. "The president's campaign of savvy, web-based technology, direct outreach to voters through blogs, videos, and interactive websites resulting in a large number of small donations, mirrors what philanthropy is now pioneering as it seeks to work more effectively with new players in a new developing world."

For more information and to view the new Index of Global Philanthropy and Remittances,visit Hudson Institute's CGP on the Web at www.global-prosperity.org.

Hudson Institute is a nonpartisan policy research organization dedicated to innovative research and analysis that promotes global security, prosperity, and freedom.