In China, Philanthropy as a New Measuring Stick

Jack Ma, chief executive of the Alibaba Group, and other board members took to the earthquake-ravaged regions of Sichuan province in late March 2009, donating supplies to villagers and school children. With $11 billion of the 2008 philanthropic donations in China going to relief efforts in the earthquake aftermath, the Alibaba Group is contributing the initial $5 million to start making modest loans to farmers and other small-business people in Sichuan and Inner Mongolia, two of the poorest provinces in China. Alibaba’s donation is the latest example of a change in attitude by corporations in China toward philanthropy.

Full-text post by Julie Makinen is available via The New York Times, 9/22/09.

Understanding China's Wealthy

China will soon be home to the world’s fourth-largest population of wealthy households. Companies that hope to reach them must understand how they differ from their counterparts elsewhere, from other Chinese consumers, and from one another.

Full-text article available via McKinsey Quarterly, July 2009. [Subscription required.]

Philanthropy – China Starts to Give

An increasingly wealthy and confident China is becoming more ready to donate money to charity, says Paul French, China editor.

Full-text article is available via Ethical Corporation, 11.12.08.

Corporations Give $54-Million to Disaster Relief in China

American corporations have pledged at least $54-million in cash and noncash support to help earthquake victims in China. The figure is the third largest ever given by American businesses for international aid. Approximately 19 companies have pledged at least $1-million. Leading the effort is Amway, a direct-sales company, with $4.3-million, and Wal-Mart, with more than $3-million. Figures were compiled by the Business Civic Leadership Center at the Commerce Department.

Full-text article by Ylan Q. Mui is available via the Washington Post, 5.27.08.

China's top philanthropists donate $1.8b in 5 years

China's top 100 philanthropists have given away 12.9 billion ($1.8 billion) since 2003, with education, social welfare and poverty reduction attracting the most donors, the Hurun Philanthropy List reports.

Full-text article by Wang Ying is available via China Daily, 4.3.08.