The city of Guangzhou, as a national pioneer in philanthropy reform and innovation, is revolutionizing the way support is provided to those in need. By exploring the government-assistance-plus-charity model, Guangzhou aims to extend charity to individuals who may not qualify for government aid but face genuine hardships. This innovative approach ensures diversified relief services are accessible through multiple channels and forms, addressing the diverse needs of financially distressed populations.
Harmonizing government aid and charitable assistance
To ensure the seamless integration of government aid and charitable assistance, the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Civil Affairs has taken significant steps. Initiatives such as the Notice on the Relief Work of Families on the Edge of Minimum Livelihood Security and Families in Expense Difficulties and the Notice on Further Improving the Active Discovery and Referral of Social Assistance have been introduced to establish an efficient referral mechanism.
Through this mechanism, social assistance needs are promptly directed to charitable organizations both online and offline. In 2022 alone, over 7,000 referrals were made, resulting in nearly 410,000 yuan ($56,590) in charitable aid and 1.7 million yuan in donations.
Resource integration
Charitable contributions are increasingly vital in Guangzhou’s government aid landscape. By broadening the scope of charitable interventions to tackle major diseases and enhancing medical assistance services, Guangzhou has launched an online charitable medical assistance platform. The platform effectively integrates government policies, public charities, hospitals, and businesses, serving over 11,000 individuals in need during 2022.
To ensure resources are harnessed optimally, Guangzhou has actively developed community charity programs, establishing workstations, public charity spaces, and community charity funds. These efforts, coupled with donations amounting to over 56 million yuan, have positively impacted the lives of marginalized groups, including scattered special hardship cases, low-income families, and individuals with disabilities.
Tailoring support
By connecting with mobile government service platforms, financial relief can be seamlessly provided online and offline, ensuring prompt responses and efficient processing.
Moreover, Guangzhou has established a robust information-sharing network, linking various platforms related to approving social assistance, charity, elderly services, and volunteering.
By employing big data and artificial intelligence, the city actively identifies the needs of over 60,000 individuals through telephone access services. Its own system facilitates targeted relief by effectively connecting government, charitable organizations, and other stakeholders, allowing for customized assistance provision.
Conclusion
Guangzhou’s pioneering model exemplifies the city’s commitment to addressing the diverse needs of vulnerable populations. By harmonizing government aid and charitable contributions, integrating resources, and optimizing services, Guangzhou has created a comprehensive and inclusive relief system.
The city’s innovative approach fosters synergy between various stakeholders, ensuring that those who are ineligible for social assistance but face genuine hardships receive the support they need. With its emphasis on collaboration, technology, and tailored assistance, Guangzhou sets a remarkable example for other regions seeking to enhance their philanthropy frameworks.
