The Philanthropy Research Institute at Beijing Normal University recently released a report identifying five major trends in Chinese philanthropy and charity for 2025. These trends reflect a sector in transition— from rapid expansion to deepening specialization, legal integration, and community grounding. Below we offer an overview of the report’s findings:
1. Charity as an Integral Part of Chinese-Style Modernization
Philanthropy is increasingly regarded as an essential part of China’s broader modernization strategy due to its social and economic functions. This shift was symbolically affirmed in 2024 when “supporting the development of philanthropy and charity” was written into the Decision of the Central Committee of the CPC at the Third Plenary Session and with the official implementation of the revised Charity Law of the PRC.
At the societal level, philanthropy carries the potential to drive:
● Social innovation by tackling selected public problems with new technologies and solutions through pilot models.
● Cultural and moral development by promoting volunteerism and altruism, drawing from traditional Chinese values of benevolence and mutual aid.
● Governance support at the grassroot level by building networks of volunteers that actively contribute to the welfare of their local communities and institutions.
Economically, philanthropy is poised to become a prominent provider of social services and employment outside of government and market sectors, spanning public culture, environmental protection, rural revitalization, and international cooperation. Concurrently, wealth redistribution catalysed by cross-societal donations will help promote social fairness by addressing inequality and advancing common prosperity.
2. Professionalization & the “Charity+” Model
Philanthropy is entering a new era of specialization through integration with other sectors — especially finance, technology, and legacy planning:
● Charity + Finance: new financial tools like charitable trusts and philanthropic insurance products are being developed to preserve and grow assets for social causes.
● Charity + Technology: AI and digital platforms are transforming the sector from service delivery to donor engagement, particularly in education, health, and disaster relief.
● Charity + Legacy: wealthy families are increasingly using philanthropy as part of their legacy planning, supported by family banks and foundations.
This evolution has spurred the demand for professional services from law firms and accountants to develop compliance tools, and from think tanks for research and strategic consulting.
3. Deepening Collaboration Across Sectors
A complex and rapidly changing society necessitates multi-stakeholder partnerships between government, businesses, and philanthropy, where each bringing distinctive value. Innovative solutions to social problems benefit from philanthropy’s flexibility and community reach, governmental structure and political support, and the private sector’s efficiency and scalability.
Noteworthy examples include the Gates Foundation’s support to Chinese partners in vaccine distribution and Tencent Foundation’s 1.5 billion RMB COVID-19 relief fund, which involved over 40 businesses and dozens of tech firms nationwide. Disaster relief efforts, integrating government agencies, NGOs, e-commerce platforms, and volunteers, are expected to become more common with intensifying issues like climate change, aging population, and unemployment.
4. Philanthropy for Climate Resilience
Climate adaptation is emerging as a key focus in China’s charitable sector’s long-term strategy. Despite 2024 being the hottest year on record, climate philanthropy remains underdeveloped. Globally, it accounts for less than 2% of charitable donations, with only a fraction directed toward adaptation efforts.
The philanthropic sector is encouraged to contribute to China’s 2024–2030 national climate and health action plan, enhancing societal and institutional preparedness through education, emergency planning, and community resilience efforts.
5. Community-Based Philanthropy Gains Ground
With the Charity Law explicitly supporting local engagement and grassroot charities, community philanthropy is set to grow dramatically in 2025. Beyond crisis relief, local charity work can support everyday needs—— from education and, cultural life to sports, environmental protection, and social service provision.
Its accessibility for ordinary citizens and the proximity of outcomes to personal lives can strengthen neighbourhood social ties while empowering mutual aid. This shift could unlock the untapped giving potential of the general public and reshape how ordinary citizens engage with charity.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
As China continues to refine its philanthropic infrastructure, the sector moves toward greater professionalism, legal clarity, and localized participation. These identified trends for 2025 suggest a philanthropy landscape that is more integrated, resilient, and aligned with long-term national goals.
