A session on development of philanthropy in Russia was held at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Representatives of charitable foundations, businesses, infrastructure organizations, and the expert community discussed the results of the sector’s development over the past two decades, as well as key areas for further work — from digitalization and improvements to legislation to engaging businesses and young people.
Addressing the issue of sustainable funding for nonprofits, Oksana Oracheva, General Director of the Vladimir Potanin Foundation, noted that over the past 20 years, a fully fledged endowment industry has emerged in Russia. According to her, the market now exceeds RUB 200 billion, although these assets are concentrated primarily in the 20 largest endowment funds.Of the 370 endowment funds operating nationwide, 138 are registered in Moscow. In her view, the sector’s further development requires addressing regional disparities, expanding tax incentives, and developing specialized infrastructure.
The Foundation’s General Director also emphasized the importance of awareness-raising efforts in the field of endowments:
“The nonprofit sector in general, and endowments in particular, require dedicated awareness campaigns that explain what they are and how they work. There is clearly a shortage of such initiatives — both for potential donors and nonprofit organizations themselves and, particularly importantly, for representatives of federal and regional authorities.”
Elena Topoleva-Soldunova, Chair of the Commission on the Development of the Nonprofit Sector and Support for Socially Oriented Nonprofit Organizations of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation and General Director of the Dobrota Severa (Kindness of the North) Charitable Foundation, noted that over the past two decades, philanthropy has evolved from a little-known practice into part of the everyday live of millions of people. Among the key achievements, she highlighted the development of legislation, professional associations, and corporate programs. Continuing the discussion on the development of the sector’s infrastructure, Andrey Pysin, Deputy Chair of the Council of the Dobro.ru Association, spoke about promising solutions offered by the platform, including the development of a transparent philanthropy system using the digital ruble and simplifying tax deductions for donations.
The participants also paid particular attention to creating convenient tools for charitable giving. Anna Akinshina, CEO of PJSC Samolet Group, noted the need to eliminate administrative barriers, including the issue of VAT payments when goods are donated for charitable purposes. Mikhail Ryzhenkov, Deputy Managing Director of Avito, emphasized that seven out of ten Russians are willing to help when simple and accessible mechanisms for participation are available.
Alina Kovaleva, founder of the National Social Impact Laboratory (ANSO), founder of the SKOLKOVO ESG Club, and Board Member of the Zhizn Kak Chudo (Life as a Miracle) Charitable Foundation, noted that businesses increasingly view philanthropy not as an expense but as an investment in sustainable development, customer loyalty, and employee engagement. The practical impact of such initiatives is confirmed by data presented by Anna Skorobogatova, President of X5’s Vyruchaem (Helping Out) Charitable Foundation: a study conducted jointly with the Faculty of Economics at Moscow State University showed that increasing food aid by one kilogram per person per year contributes to a 20.5% reduction in the poverty rate. At present, approximately 1,500 tonnes of food are distributed annually through food-sharing mechanisms in Russia, while the market has the potential to reach 720,000 tonnes. In this way, philanthropy embedded in infrastructure produces systemic and sustainable results.
The session was moderated by Alexandra Boldyreva, Executive Director of the Donors Forum Association of Grantmaking Organizations. She noted the significance of the discussion against the backdrop of key anniversary milestones for the sector. According to her, any conversation about the future of philanthropy must build on the path already travelled and take into account the systemic changes that have occurred over recent decades in legislation, infrastructure, and the ways in which government, businesses, and nonprofits interact.
Summing up the discussion, participants agreed that the further development of philanthropy depends on strengthening partnerships between government, businesses, and nonprofits, expanding digital solutions, improving tax mechanisms, and supporting regional initiatives.
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