IoP is proud to share new insights from a report by The Bridgespan Group, which we co-sponsored alongside The Rockefeller Foundation and the Gates Foundation. The report identifies the world’s largest corporate givers and explores how they’re driving scalable, lasting social impact.

Among the 20 largest globally, four Asian organisations stand out: The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust (ranked 8th), Samsung (12th), Tencent (14th), and China Three Gorges Corporation (20th). Together, they contribute over US$1.6 billion annually to philanthropic causes and highlight the growing role of Asian corporations in shaping global social impact through strategic, large-scale giving.

At IoP, we believe that businesses bring valuable assets to the table in addition to funding, including their expertise and infrastructure. This is why it was critical for this report to also explore how and why these corporates give—and what defines high-impact corporate philanthropy.

To that point, Bridgespan uses the term “corporate giving” to describe a wide range of initiatives—from CSR and ESG to sustainability and purpose-driven strategies—that support charitable activities with positive social and environmental outcomes. As co-author and Bridgespan partner Gwendolyn Lim explains, this framing reflects a shift beyond traditional philanthropy toward integrated, impact-oriented efforts.

Corporate philanthropy has moved from the sidelines to the spotlight, becoming a key measure of business success. Visionary companies now integrate social impact into their overall strategy—not just within their CSR departments. With their vast resources, global influence, and purposeful approach, corporations are uniquely equipped to create lasting change across a wide range of communities and challenges.

Through conversations with leaders in corporate philanthropy, Bridgespan also uncovered Asia’s unique business models and cultural influences that play a defining role in shaping the region’s approach to giving. The report spotlights:

• Founder, family, and state-linked leadership is far more common in Asia: Sixty per cent of the region’s largest corporate givers are founder- or family-led, compared to just 20% globally, reflecting Asia’s deep tradition of family-owned enterprises. Notably, 25% of Asia’s top givers are state-linked, while none of the top global corporate givers are, highlighting how philanthropic priorities in Asia often align with state-led initiatives.
• Conglomerates dominate the landscape: Only 10% of the world’s largest corporate givers are conglomerates, versus 60% in Asia, where multi-industry giants remain central to both business and philanthropy.
• Direct giving is the norm: Eighty per cent of global corporate givers rely on external partners, while Asian corporate givers are more likely to fund their own projects, suggesting a hands-on approach or gaps in local partnerships.

 

The report further delved into the strategies behind impactful corporate philanthropy, spotlighting three effective models commonly adopted by companies driving significant social change.

 

1. Place-based giving: Investing in communities near company operations to address local needs and build long-term resilience.
2. Capability-led giving: Applying core business strengths – such as technology, supply chains, manufacturing processes, or talent – to create shared value for both society and the company.
3. Business-aligned giving: Delivering high-value products or services to underserved populations in ways that complement and reinforce the company’s mission.

 

Xueling Lee, co-author of the report and a partner at Bridgespan, emphasized that when corporate giving is strategically aligned and carefully implemented, it has the power to deliver tangible benefits for both society and the planet. She added that for companies beginning their philanthropic journey, the report provides actionable insights to help them amplify their impact.

 

As corporate giving becomes more integrated into business strategy, companies across Asia are showing how thoughtful philanthropy can lead to meaningful outcomes. These efforts demonstrate that when social impact is approached with clarity and purpose, it can benefit both communities and corporations alike. For businesses considering this path, the opportunity to contribute to lasting change is within reach—and the time to start is now.