Faith and Giving in Asia
Building an inclusive space for faith and non-faith actors to drive impact
An Ongoing Initiative By
ABOUT
How Values and Beliefs Shape Giving in Asia
Faith, and the values, belief systems, moral codes, and religious doctrines, that underlie it, shape much of philanthropy across the world. From addressing needs in underserved communities to investing in sustainable energy solutions, faith-aligned givers are demonstrating that compassion can be a catalyst for a more just and equitable world. However, the fundamental drivers of faith-aligned giving often remain unexamined.
The potential of faith-aligned giving is particularly ripe in Asia, where the ecosystem holds vast resources, networks and deep-rooted values that can advance social and environmental progress in the region.
By leveraging our inclusive and neutral platform, AVPN aims to unpack faith and giving in Asia, develop learning opportunities and provide a platform for collective action for social investors across the region, regardless of their faith alignment or lack thereof.
85%
of the world’s population adheres to a religious or spiritual tradition (Pew Research Center, 2017)
Asia-Pacific
is home to the majority of the world’s religious population — including 99% of Hindus and Buddhists, 90% of folk religion adherents, and 62% of Muslims (Pew Research Center, 2017)
USD 174.6 Bn
worth of Islamic bonds (Sukuk) were issued globally during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, highlighting the strength and resilience of faith-based finance even in times of crisis (Ethis Ventures, 2022).
USD 5 Tn
in net assets are held across four major religious groups globally (Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, 2022)
FEATURED FAITH & GIVING BRIEFS
Explore Our Latest Faith-Aligned Impact Reports
To support our mission to mobilise more capital, including faith-aligned capital, towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Asia, AVPN is developing a series of reports that explore how values and beliefs shape giving across key SDG-related sectors.
Our Approach
Guiding Principles
Practice-led
We surface various emerging approaches to giving that are motivated by faith, rather than delving into the faith doctrines themselves
Inclusive
We view the relationship between faith and giving on a spectrum, and use the term “faith-aligned” to acknowledge a wide range of interpretations
Neutral
We approach this topic with a neutral and apolitical lens
Resources
Explore faith-led giving further
Case Studies
Explore faith-aligned givers in action, highlighting organisations in Asia’s education sector and the distinct programmes they have developed to drive meaningful change.
AVPN Insights
Understand current practice and key trends in faith-aligned giving in Asia
Ecosystem Insights
Identify frameworks, platforms and other resources that can help you deepen your faith-aligned philanthropy and investment.
Learning Circles
Virtual small-group discussions on various topics, including faith-aligned philanthropy and investing and a diversity of impact areas. All social investors, whether faith-aligned or otherwise, are welcome.
PARTICIPATE
Are you interested in Faith-led giving?
AVPN aims to create a safe space to explore values-aligned investment with unlikely allies. We welcome philanthropists, organisations, and/or institutions currently working on or interested in faith and giving to be a part of this initiative. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
