Doha: Qatar has made significant strides in the 2025 Global Philanthropy Environment Index, demonstrating notable progress in its philanthropic environment. The report, which evaluates the philanthropic climate across six main pillars, highlights Qatar's advancements in areas such as the ease of operating organizations, tax incentives, and the political, economic, and social environment.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Global Philanthropy Environment Index (GPEI), initially launched in 2006 as the "Philanthropic Freedom Index" by the Hudson Institute and later managed by the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University since 2017, now covers 91 countries and economies across 14 regions. This 2025 edition marks the most comprehensive global assessment of philanthropy to date.
The report credits recent Qatari legislation and government initiatives for creating a more flexible regulatory environment for charitable organizations. Regulatory bodies, led by the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities (RACA), play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability within the sector.
Qatar's philanthropic landscape benefits from the country's political stability and economic prosperity, enabling charitable organizations to expand their work and partnerships both locally and internationally. The report highlights Qatar's strategic use of charitable resources to support humanitarian and relief efforts in conflict zones through organized and approved channels.
National initiatives such as RACA's "Tamkeen" program have been instrumental in enhancing the capacities of charitable organizations, focusing on governance, strategic analysis, and institutional development. This program has significantly improved the performance of many local organizations.
Culturally, the report notes that Qatar's deeply rooted traditions of solidarity and giving, influenced by Islamic teachings, create a fertile ground for philanthropy, especially through practices like Zakat and Sadaqah. The Qatari population is increasingly engaged in supporting civil society organizations to address societal challenges and promote sustainable development.
Qatar's achievements in philanthropy align with its National Vision 2030, which emphasizes community participation, social justice, and sustainable development. To further these goals, RACA launched the Philanthropy Strategy 2030, aiming to build a robust, sustainable philanthropic sector open to regional and international partnerships.
Additionally, the introduction of the "Sandi" platform marks a significant advancement in managing and distributing aid within Qatar. This platform streamlines the process for receiving and reviewing aid requests, ensuring efficient distribution and fair access to social services.
Qatar's progress is further evidenced by its substantial improvement in the 2023 mutual evaluation results with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The report commends Qatar for its development of legislation and regulatory systems to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, particularly concerning the non-profit sector. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of Qatar's regulatory and oversight infrastructure in philanthropy.