2025 Methodology

Developing the Global Philanthropy Environment Index

The Global Philanthropy Environment Index (GPEI) seeks to answer the following question: What are the regulatory, political, economic, and socio-cultural barriers and incentives to philanthropy in countries and economies across the globe?

In responding to this question, the Index:

• Identifies the incentives and barriers to the environment for philanthropy in 95 economies included in the study;
• Highlights key trends and major changes observed in 15 regions’ philanthropic environment included in the study; and
• Fosters the exchange of knowledge and ideas among nonprofit experts, scholars, and leaders about enabling philanthropic practices and regulations, and significant global trends through dissemination of results.

Methodology

To achieve these objectives, the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (hereafter “School”) partnered with 173 country, regional, and global experts to produce the 2025 GPEI over the course of one year.  Production involved six key steps.

Between February and September 2024, country experts complete a standard questionnaire containing 11 indicator questions to evaluate the environment on the basis of six factors. For each question, country experts assign a numeric score (using a 1-5 scale) and provide a narrative explanation to justify each score. 

In addition to the 11 indicator questions, country-level reports also capture information on the following:

• Legal forms of philanthropic organizations (POs);
• Important social issues supported by POs;
• Average time/costs for registration of a PO;
• Government levels regulating incorporation of POs;
• Current state of climate philanthropy;
• Major events affecting the philanthropic landscape;
• Lasting innovations or impacts in the sector in response to COVID-19;
• Issues and emerging trends; and
• Recommendations to improve the philanthropic environment.