WINGS
WINGS is the only global network of philanthropy support and development organisations. It brings together associations, networks, foundations, research institutions, and intermediaries to strengthen philanthropic infrastructure, knowledge, and collaboration around the world.
Theory of Change
Inputs
Global membership of philanthropy support and development organisations
Funders and partners providing financial and strategic support
Research, data, and knowledge platforms
Digital convening and collaboration tools
Global and regional philanthropic networks and associations
Activities
Knowledge synthesis and publications on philanthropy ecosystems
Thought leadership on scalable and equitable philanthropic practice
Membership engagement and peer exchange forums
Events (e.g., WINGSForum), webinars, and global dialogues
Advocacy for enabling environments and policy frameworks
Collaborative tools and frameworks (e.g., philanthropy principles, guides)
Outputs
Global reports, toolkits, and resources on philanthropy ecosystem development
Communities of practice, working groups, and collaborative platforms
Curated evidence on philanthropy’s impact and systemic roles
Published frameworks for stronger philanthropic ecosystems
Events and learning opportunities for network members
Outcomes
Strengthened philanthropy ecosystems and infrastructure worldwide
Greater alignment among funders, intermediaries, and civil society
Enhanced capacity of philanthropic actors to collaborate and drive impact
Increased understanding of philanthropy’s strategic role in development
Better enabling environments for giving, cross-sector action, and policy engagement
Programs
1. Ecosystem Strengthening & Support
Focuses on reinforcing the infrastructure, capabilities, and connections that enable philanthropy to be effective at local, national, regional, and global levels.
Network membership and partner organisations
Global philanthropy data and learning resources
Partnerships with global funders, civil society, and governments
Engage PSOs in peer learning and cross-regional exchange
Co-create and update ecosystem mapping and analysis tools
Foster communities of practice across global constituencies
Curate knowledge hubs and resource libraries
Shared ecosystem knowledge and frameworks
Regional and international alumni of learning exchanges
Enhanced institutional capacities of PSOs
Collaborative tools and benchmarks for ecosystem building
Deeper, more resilient philanthropy ecosystems
Stronger local and domestic giving infrastructure
Enhanced ability of PSOs to support civil society and social change
Cross-sector strength to address complex social challenges
2. Advocacy & Enabling Environments
Aims to position philanthropy as a strategic actor in sustainable development dialogues, policy conversations, and global discourse on social change.
Global partnerships and alliances
Research on philanthropy and development policy
Collective insights from member organizations
Participate in multi-stakeholder dialogues (e.g., UN, GPEDC, SDG forums)
Shape policy recommendations and advocacy briefs
Host dialogues on enabling environments for philanthropy
Support government–philanthropy engagement spaces
Policy insights, briefs, and advocacy materials
Partner engagements in international development forums
Strengthened visibility of philanthropy’s role in policy circles
More enabling legal, regulatory, and institutional environments for philanthropy
Recognition of philanthropic actors as key partners in SDG delivery and development finance
Greater trust and collaboration between philanthropy, government, and civil society
3. Knowledge & Collective Intelligence
Generates, curates, and disseminates evidence, narratives, and practice to help actors understand, activate, and grow effective philanthropic action.
Research and data from member organisations worldwide
Contributions from thought leaders and practitioners
Digital publishing and collaboration platforms
Publish knowledge products (reports, guides, frameworks)
Host webinars, working group dialogues, and research salons
Curate case studies and best practices
Enable multilingual and cross-sector content sharing
Global knowledge base on philanthropy support and practice
Continuous learning opportunities for network members
Collective intelligence captured and disseminated internationally
Better informed philanthropic strategies and investments
Increased uptake of evidence-based practices by members
Knowledge-driven decisions leading to greater impact and sustainability
Other Information
Core Values
Collaboration and collective action
Inclusiveness, diversity, and respect for different giving cultures
Transparency and accountability
Long-term systems thinking
Shared learning and knowledge exchange
Scale
A global network of 200+ philanthropy support and development organisations across 50+ countries.
Members represent diverse philanthropic institutions, community foundations, PSOs, research bodies, and grantmaker networks.
Affected Users
Philanthropy support organisations (PSOs)
Community and national grantmakers
Civil society networks and NGOs
Funders and private foundations
Governments and development partners
Knowledge institutions seeking collaboration
Geographical Areas
Global — with members and activities spanning Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, North America, and the Middle East.
Contact Info
To
Eva Rehse - [email protected]
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