Three-year study launched to analyze GBA philanthropy and strengthen regional collaboration

The Institute of Philanthropy (IoP) and the China Philanthropy Research Institute (CPRI) at Beijing Normal University have launched a three-year research initiative aimed at deepening understanding of philanthropic development and identifying new opportunities for cross-border social collaboration in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Supported by the Beijing Normal University Education Foundation (BNUEF) and funded through a 9.1 million yuan donation from IoP, the project will explore how philanthropic resources can be more effectively integrated across Hong Kong, Macao and nine Guangdong cities to enhance the impact of social services.

The study will examine the GBA’s current philanthropic landscape while combining joint research, multi-stakeholder engagement and policy dialogue.

Researchers will explore cooperation mechanisms in key areas including elderly care, child development, public health, emergency response and sustainable development.

As one of China’s most economically dynamic urban clusters, the GBA comprises diverse legal systems, funding pathways and regulatory structures.

The research team will analyze these differences to identify opportunities for alignment and innovation. By drawing on successful philanthropic models, the initiative aims to build a foundation for more coordinated, high-quality development of regional philanthropy.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to building knowledge and capacity for philanthropy in one of Asia’s most vibrant regions,” said Lester Huang, Chairman of the Institute of Philanthropy.

“As the GBA continues to grow in strategic importance, it is essential to understand how collaborative philanthropy can contribute to shared social progress. This research will help unlock new models of cooperation and strengthen the region’s leading role in shaping the future of philanthropy.”

The research will be jointly led by Professor Wang Zhenyao, Founding Dean of CPRI, and Professor Xu Xiaoxin, the current Dean, with support from a multidisciplinary team of scholars and practitioners.

“The Greater Bay Area is a laboratory for collaborative actions,” said Professor Wang. “Through this cooperation, we hope to refine the effective mechanisms, partnerships and policy innovations that can help philanthropy play a more effective role in regional development.”

The partnership forms part of IoP’s broader strategy to commission action-oriented research with leading institutions in Mainland China to advance thought leadership in philanthropy and strengthen cross-regional collaboration.