Perspectives from Brazilian Philanthropy that inspire Global practices
Written by: Luisa Lima, Communication and Knowledge Manager, IDIS
In a time of global uncertainty marked by social fragmentation, economic volatility, and pressures on democratic institutions, it's easy to feel detached from the possibility of collective transformation. In such moments, it helps to look at practices that, while not perfect or universally applicable, offer useful directions.
Rather than becoming paralysed by complexity, many actors in Brazil’s philanthropic ecosystem are experimenting with bold and adaptive strategies. The annual report ‘Perspectives for Brazilian Philanthropy’, released by the Institute for the Development of Social Investment (IDIS) highlights six key trends shaping the philanthropy landscape in 2025. These trends reflect urgency, creativity and, above all, hope in action – showing how Brazilian philanthropy is responding to national challenges, while offering ideas that may resonate beyond its borders.
Like many countries, Brazil is increasingly affected by climate change and its implications. Floods, droughts, and storms are becoming more frequent and severe, often overwhelming the capacities of public and private sectors to respond. In this context, a growing number of philanthropic efforts are moving from reactive aid toward more structured and systemic strategies. Local Community Foundations (CFs), such as Fundação Gerações and ICOM, are helping lead this shift, creating rapid-response funds that mobilise local knowledge, donor networks, and public-sector partnerships to provide both immediate relief and long-term recovery.
One example is the RegeneraRS Emergency Fund, created after the May 2024 devastating floods in Rio Grande do Sul, a state in the deep South of Brazil. The disaster affected 496 cities, displaced more than 150,000 people, and temporarily shut down the state’s main airport. The fund blends philanthropic capital with credit tools[1] to support small businesses and rebuild affected areas, a locally rooted model with potential relevance for climate-vulnerable regions elsewhere.
Mental health is another critical issue. Brazil faces high rates of psychological distress, and burnout is increasingly common among civil society leaders and workers, especially those from historically marginalised groups. Local organisations are beginning to prioritise a ‘culture of care’, creating spaces for emotional reflection, peer support, and institutional deceleration. While these efforts are still emerging, they point to a global truth: social impact work cannot continue without emotional sustainability. The philanthropy sector must consider embracing mental well-being as a programme area and the basis for civic engagement.
[1] The structure catalyses other initiatives on housing, education, business, and urban regeneration, by making donations and absorbing the risks. It's the ‘fund of funds”