By Pablo Viñas Guzmán, GivingTuesday Dominican Republic Leader
A Historic Milestone for the Sector
On April 30, 2025, we experienced a historic milestone for philanthropy in the Dominican Republic. For the first time, more than 100 individuals from across the country — including representatives from foundations, businesses, universities, international agencies, public institutions, and grassroots organizations — gathered in one space to reflect collectively on the present and future of organized generosity in our country.
The National Philanthropy Gathering, organized by AFS Intercultura and GivingTuesday, with the support of WINGS, the European Union, and early contributions from the GivingTuesday Latin America & Caribbean Hub, was much more than a day of presentations and workshops. It marked the beginning of a shared vision: building a philanthropic ecosystem that is more connected, competent, credible, and capable.
Photo Source: Dominican Today
The 4Cs: A Compass for Collective Action
We framed our discussions around the 4Cs — Capacity, Capability, Connection, and Credibility — which represent essential pillars for strengthening the infrastructure that supports philanthropy.
These are not abstract concepts. They reflect real and pressing needs: the lack of adequate resources and institutional structures, the urgency to improve our skills and knowledge, the need to collaborate across networks, and the imperative to build public trust through transparent and ethical practices.
Using this framework, the working groups developed bold yet grounded proposals — including the creation of a national coordinating entity, the institutionalization of philanthropy training programs, the design of shared digital tools, and the development of voluntary transparency standards to strengthen credibility across the sector.
More Than Ideas: A New Spirit of Collaboration
Beyond the richness of ideas — and there were many — what moved me most was the spirit of collaboration that filled every space.
The willingness to listen carefully, to question respectfully, and to imagine solutions together was palpable. There was a strong energy of collective construction that reminded us that it is indeed possible to bring diverse sectors together when a common cause unites us.
That cause is none other than the pursuit of just, inclusive, and sustainable development in our country. And in that mission, philanthropy can — and must — play a far more active role.
One thing became clear: radical generosity is not enough on its own. It needs support structures, capable organizations, and trusted networks to thrive. That’s what we are building together.
What Comes Next: Roadmap and Action
This gathering was not an endpoint. It marked the beginning of a new phase.
In the coming weeks, a multi-sector working group will be formed, composed of the moderators and leaders who participated in the event. This team will be responsible for validating and expanding the proposals that emerged, and for developing a national roadmap to guide the strengthening of the philanthropy support ecosystem in the Dominican Republic.
This roadmap will be shared with key stakeholders and enriched by global experiences through collaboration with WINGS and other international allies who have supported this process from the beginning.
A New Narrative for Philanthropy
One message came through clearly: we need to talk about philanthropy in a new way.
Philanthropy is not reactive charity. It is not a one-off gesture of goodwill, nor something improvised or disconnected from structural causes.
The philanthropy of the future must be a strategic force for transformation — a practice that is ethical, informed, and bold. It must not only respond to urgent needs, but also work to address their root causes.
We believe in a kind of philanthropy that not only responds, but transforms. A radical generosity that becomes sustainable because it is supported by collective, ethical, and collaborative structures.
Gratitude and Commitment
I am deeply grateful to everyone who made this gathering possible. Thank you to our committed volunteers and staff, and to all who contributed with ideas, time, resources, and above all, their willingness to build this vision together.
What began as a conversation is already becoming a movement. And I am convinced that the best is yet to come.
