Top 10 Events in Chinese Philanthropy in 2012

On May 31, 2013, Chinese Academy of Social Science released its annual bluebook Chinese Philanthropy Development Report 2013 in Beijing. Besides the giving statistics in 2012 and essays on Chinese nonprofits and philanthropy, the book outlined the top 10 events in Chinese philanthropy in 2012, which have either aroused extrordinary public attention or cast profound implications on the future development of Chinese philanthropy.

1. The nation’s inaugual Charity Fair was held in Shenzhen.

China’s first national Charity Fair, with a theme of Development, Integration and Transparency, was held in Shenzhen during July 12-14, 2012. This was by far the largest national event where nonprofit projects were showcased. The fair involved multi-stakeholder collaborations from government, social organizations, business and media, and was a considered a success way to engage open communication and to optimize resource allocation. The fair received praise from leaders at Ministry of Civil Affairs.

Read More: China’s First National Charity Fair to Open in 7 Days, China Charity Fair Report-1, China Charity Fair Report-2, Winning Photo at China Charity Fair Stirs Up Controversy Among Netizens.

2. Guangzhou allowed social organizations to engage public fundraising.

In May 2012, Guangzhou Fundraising Regulation came to effect, which was the first local regulation in China of the kind. Prior to this regulation, only very few social organizations with government background enjoyed the access to public fundraising, which is now open for application to all eligible grassroots social organizations. While applauding this move, all parties involved recognized great challenges ahead: social organizations need to be more efficient and transparent in their operation and communication; government agencies need to improve their governance; and public donors need to learn more about charities when presented with more options.

Read More: NGO Law Monitor: China,

3. Reform on Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) was thrown in the spotlight.

GuoMeiMei Incident in 2011 turned out to be just a trigger for RCSC nightmares of public distrust. More internal management problems at RCSC were disclosed in 2012, which led to an order of reform from State Council of China in July 2012. The reform has experienced a lot of challenges partly due to the systematic obstacles.

Read More: Chinese charities struggling to restore trust: report, China’s Philanthropy In The Age Of Weibo

4. Foundation Transparency Index ( FTI ) was launched.

FTI officially went online at the end of August, 2012. The launching of FTI pushed forward the law enforcement on social organization’s public disclosure, and achieved a milestone in applying abstract concept to concrete practice. It was considered to be a breakthrough in promoting transparency and professionalism in Chinese nonprofit sector and an important way for the public to better understand foundations.

Read More: FTI, A True Chinese Innovation, Are Chinese Foundations More Transparent Than American Foundations?

5. Shenzhen Canyou Group won Social Enterprise Awards 2012 from International Social Enterprise.

This award is the highest recognition a Chinese social enterprise has received on international stage. Founded in 1997, Canyou Group has made great achievement in employing people with disabilities in a high-tech industry, and has also accumulated precious experience in the innovation of social good and community service.

Read More: Shenzhen Canyou Group won Social Enterprise Awards 2012 from International Social Enterprise, Major Issues in Social Enterprise Development in the Mainland China

6. Ministry of Finance allocated 200 million RMB to contract social service to social organizations.

The allocation of 200 million RMB to social service from the central government is considered to carry a ground-breaking and modeling significance far more important than the monetary support itself. Local government started contracting services to social organizations in 2000.

Read More: Government procurement of CSO services in the PR China: Doing the party’s work?

7. Six Ministries issued joint statement to promote religious philanthropy.

At the beginning of 2012, State Administration for Religious Affairs, together with 5 other heavy-weight ministries—The United Front Work Department of CPC Central Committee, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Civil Affairs, Ministry of Finance and State Administration of Taxation, issued a joint statement on encouraging and promoting religious engagement in charity. In the wake of the statement, a series of new policies were launched, which demonstrated the supportive attitudes from the Party and the government on religious philanthropy.

8. Netizen Storm over the China Charities Aid Foundation for Children (CCAFC)

Initiated by a weibo post on December 10, 2012 questioning the chaotic financial management at CCAFC and suspecting CCAFC involved in money laundry, a wave of inquiries led CCAFC into an unprecedented crisis of confidence. CCAFC experienced tremendous pressure, and some management problems did emerge. The reflections triggered by this incident are considered to have far-reaching effect among foundations.

Read More: Under-suspicion children’s charity counters allegations with audit

9. Huge July 21 Downpour in Beijing

The huge downpour on July 21, 2012 in Beijing imposed a serious test on the city’s emergency response capability like never before, but it also offered an opportunity for self-organized citizens and organizations to step forward. Self-organized volunteers actively participated in the rescue. However, their efforts also demonstrated a lack of professionalism in civil forces. It is necessary to improve the disaster-relief mechanism at the grassroots level, and joint efforts from government, social organizations and grassroots volunteers seem to be a trend.

Read More: Giant Beijing Rainstorm Triggers Citizens’ Anger

10. Shenzhen Taoyuanju Community Model Wins International Gold Medal

ChongQing Taoyuanju Community won the Gold Award of the International Awards for Livable Communities 2012 for its mountain park design and community facility and service. The model of nonprofit-led community service was acclaimed at the award conference. Prior to ChongQing’s winning, Shenzhen TaoYuanJu Community had won the award twice, which shows the scalability of TaoYuanJu Community model.