In a country wrought with poverty, giving to the poor becomes a challenge in its own right.

• Bill Gates and Warren buffet, two of the wealthiest individuals in the world, recently pledged to give half of their net worth to charity.
• The pledge has been replicated by 38 other American billionaires, but in India – home to two of the richest people in the world – wealthy individuals have not made the same commitment.
• Those billionaires contacted regarding the challenge evaded commenting on the subject.
• Experts say that Indian billionaires donate less because the opportunities for giving are fewer and often tainted by corruption.

Facts & Figures

• Indians collectively donate 0.6% of their country’s GDP to charity. While Canada donates 1.3% and the U.S. 2.2%.
• Just 10% of charitable giving in India comes from individuals or companies, compared to 75% in the United States.

Best Quote

“Indians just don’t trust the organizations that want money or that they could give to. Often they find themselves in the position that even if they want to give, there is no mechanism available to them by which they could give.” – Emily Harrison, Founder, Innovaid

Tags: Bill Gates, billionaires, charity, India, philanthropy, Warren Buffet