Introduction

Diasporas can play an active role in the development of their countries of origin through financial and social remittances, investments, and skill and technology transfers (Adepoju 2008; Brinkerhoff 2008; Merz, Chen and Geithner 2007; Newland, Terrazas and Munster 2010; Zoomers, Adepoju and van Naerssen 2008). Diaspora philanthropy, which is a subset of this giving, can take multiple forms and be directed through various channels. In this chapter, we use the term philanthropy to mean “love of mankind” and to denote private acts of benevolence toward others or actions for the benefit of the common good (Toepler 2012).

Considered a social relation, philanthropy is differentiated from transfers that are tied to commercial, financial, and political gain (Schervish 1998). Flanigan defines diaspora philanthropy more precisely as something that includes “money, goods, volunteer labor, knowledge and skills, and other assets donated for the social benefit of a community broader than one's family members, in a country or region where there is a population with whom the donor(s) have ancestral ties” (2017, 494). Although diaspora communities may participate in transnational politics through fundraising and financial and social transfers to promote mobilization, sectarianism, and hostilities (Orjuela 2008), we examine philanthropic efforts by diaspora organizations that focus on development activities that do not appear to be associated with political gain or political parties.

Diaspora philanthropy is often collectively channeled through philanthropic intermediaries such as diaspora associations, organizations made up of immigrants that are structured around principles of commonality such as an ethnic group, geographical region of origin, or even professional background and qualifications (de Haas 2006). Such migrant organizations include hometown associations, professional societies, ethnic groups, alumni associations, diaspora foundations, and faith-based organizations, several of which also offer online giving opportunities. These intermediaries help funnel assistance from diasporans to causes in the country of origin and are especially useful to middle- and lower-income migrants whose lack of time, resources, and know-how could make it difficult to pursue projects independently in their countries of origin (Newland, Terrazas and Munster 2010; Sidel 2007).

In this chapter, we examine and analyze patterns of philanthropic giving by the Ethiopian diaspora in the United States for development in Ethiopia, and the likely impact of such philanthropy. The idea of development is complex and contested but can broadly be understood as bringing about positive change that allows individuals and societies to thrive and achieve their potential.