The 2025 Global Philanthropy Environment Index is a collaboration of experts led by the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The 2025 The Global Philanthropy Environment Index (GPEI), released on May 28, represents 84% of the world’s population. The index provides valuable insights into the incentives and barriers faced by philanthropic organizations and donors worldwide. The index covers the period from 2021 to 2023, which included significant global challenges, including natural disasters, economic upheaval, and a global health crisis.
A collaboration of 173 experts from across the globe, the GPEI evaluates six critical factors impacting philanthropy: ease of operating a philanthropic organization, tax incentives, cross-border financial flows, political environment, economic conditions, and socio-cultural influences.
Dana Doan, Ph.D., visiting research fellow Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, emphasizes the global impact of research like the GPEI. “Indiana University and the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy have a strong reputation, around the world, among philanthropy practitioners, scholars, and policymakers,” she noted while discussing the significance of the 2025 GPEI. “When I mention that I am affiliated with IU and got my Ph.D. from Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, I feel proud based on their reactions.”
The impact on philanthropy
The index provides valuable insights that empower leaders in all sectors to create more supportive environments for philanthropic efforts and address the world’s most pressing challenges. “As a regional reviewer in 2022 and 2025, the GPEI provides me with clear examples of what various countries are doing to improve the philanthropy environment in neighboring countries and clarify the source of challenges,” said Doan. “I can use this information to prepare and inform philanthropists and propose improvements within relevant networks and associations.”
The insights and recommendations provided aim to inform and assist policymakers, philanthropic leaders, and practitioners in fostering a more supportive environment for philanthropy worldwide. It can be used as a tool to increase awareness, influence policy, make grants, and develop strategy.
The impact at Indiana University Indianapolis
Beyond its global influence, the GPEI makes a direct impact at IU Indianapolis by providing students, faculty, and staff with opportunities to collaborate with colleagues worldwide. “I got to wake up every morning, get on my computer with people from Korea, China, Uganda, and other places and have a dialogue with them,” said research assistant David Berry Mayes, III B.A. ’24. “It’s really cool to be able to do that and then bring it all together in the regional review.”
Afshan Paarlberg, J.D., Ph.D. candidate and GPEI project director, described leading the index as a transformative experience. “Leading the GPEI was a special gift—one filled with ongoing gains in knowledge and experience,” said Paarlberg. “I learned more about how easy or hard it can be for people across cultures, religions, and societies to engage in social good efforts and be generous when you factor in the broader environment.”
The impact on the world
“For complex and less understood issues, such as the role of philanthropy in societies, comparative research builds connections and solutions that might otherwise go overlooked,” said Paarlberg. “Thus, global platforms like the GPEI are critical for building mutual understanding across borders and removing barriers to practicing the universal language of generosity.”
This project has connected experts from around the world who want to increase the global impact of philanthropy. Many of those experts attended a virtual celebration on the day of the report’s release. It was the first time many of them were able to put a name to a face. It was obvious that this project had crossed borders connecting colleagues with common goals.
During the event, a contributor from Nepal described the project as a “truly great opportunity” and went on to say she would like to collaborate with these colleagues on other projects. A contributor from Bahrain said the report is a “powerful tool” and plans to leverage its insights in forthcoming articles.
Continuing the impact
This project does not end with the release of the report. Over the next few months, multiple regional and country-specific events will take place to share and discuss key findings and how they can help improve the climate for philanthropy in countries around the world.