Strengthening the ecosystems that help philanthropy thrive
and evolve

Philanthropy is the practice of mobilising resources, relationships, and action to support people and communities and contribute to the common good.

It takes many forms, from community giving, traditions of reciprocity, and mutual support to individual, corporate, foundation, and institutional giving. Across cultures and contexts, philanthropy reflects a shared commitment to improving lives and strengthening communities.

We believe philanthropy is most effective when it is rooted in community knowledge and agency, works in partnership with others, invests in the ecosystems that enable change, and aligns its resources behind long-term social transformation.

Together, these actors form what WINGS calls the philanthropy support ecosystem: the networks, support organisations, research and data centres, advocacy bodies, and other field-builders that strengthen philanthropy and help it contribute more effectively to public good and to transforming society.

WINGS is the only global network dedicated to bringing philanthropy together to strengthen giving, unlock resources, and increase philanthropy’s contribution to more just, equitable, and sustainable societies.

At a time of growing global challenges, WINGS strengthens philanthropy by connecting and supporting the organisations already working across the field. Together, we create stronger pathways for collaboration, learning, influence, and collective action.

Everything WINGS does is grounded in partnership with its members and the wider philanthropy support ecosystem.

We work alongside local, national, regional, and global actors, helping connect organisations, strengthen relationships, and create opportunities for collective action.

WINGS acts as connective tissue across the field, linking networks, support organisations, funders, advocates, researchers, and other ecosystem builders so knowledge, resources, and opportunities can flow more effectively across the ecosystem.

WINGS connects a diverse network of foundations, associations, academic centres, giving movements, community funds, local intermediaries, and ecosystem builders working to strengthen philanthropy and giving in their contexts.

Together, they represent decades of experience working in complex and often under-resourced environments, bringing practical knowledge of how philanthropy operates on the ground.