Caribbean

Regional Reviewer: Dr. Sharilyn Hale, C.Dir
Institutional Affiliation: Watermark Philanthropic Counsel

Overview

The Caribbean is a diverse region that reflects strong cultures of generosity and mutual aid. The addition of the Bahamas to the region’s index and cumulative ratings provides new insights. Generally, there is a supportive environment for philanthropy across the region, although government bureaucracy and poor understanding of the sector—along with an absence of data—have been identified as a major barrier for philanthropic organizations (POs). The nonprofit sector is not well-funded or professionalized, making harnessing opportunities and driving innovation challenging. While there are some tax incentives for giving, they are relatively modest, not widely known, and rarely viewed as major drivers for giving. There is evidence that the economic environment across the region has continued its recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, but high levels of indebtedness prevent greater government investments in the nonprofit sector. The digital shift and mobile money continue to present new opportunities for POs, albeit in an environment of chronic under-banking. Climate change, social justice, and gender equity issues emerge as key areas of focus for POs and philanthropy in the region.  

View the full 2025 GPEI Caribbean regional report:

View Caribbean Report