The Role of Philanthropy in International Cooperation

Japan Center for International Exchange; foreword by Tadashi Yamamoto
1986

Report on the JCIE 15th Anniversary International Symposium, Tokyo, December 1985

In the 1980s, Japan faced increasing pressure to play a greater international role befitting its position as an economic superpower. There was a growing awareness in Japan of the need for the private sector to become more involved in public affairs, rather than simply looking on foreign aid and international goodwill as the government’s job. The nation, however, lacked a tradition of private philanthropy as well as the infrastructure to carry it out.

As a private, nonprofit organization devoted to international exchange and research in the field of foreign policy, the Japan Center for International Exchange has depended on private donations since its inception. Thus it is fitting that the center chose to celebrate its 15th anniversary by sponsoring a symposium on philanthropy.

The proceedings of the conference, presented here, include talks about different types of corporate giving in Japan; the role of Keidanren (Japan Federation of Economic Organizations) in linking applicants and corporate donors; and cultural, organizational, and procedural factors, including an unfavorable tax code and lack of experienced staff, that impede philanthropic activities in Japan. The philosophy, activities, and goals of well-known American corporate donors and foundations are also discussed. The conference underscores the benefits of philanthropy to the company and local society, as well as to the international community, and offers advice about how to fund and carry out better, more effective programs.

Contents

Foreword
Session I: Corporate Philanthropy Present and Future
   Issues and Trends in Corporate Philanthropy: The American Experience
James A. Joseph, President, Council on Foundations
   The Role of Private Foundations in Japan
Yujiro Hayashi, Executive Director, Toyota Foundation
   Corporate Giving in Japan and Keidanren’s Role
Natsuaki Fusano, Managing Director, Keidanren (Japan Federation of Economic Organizations)
   Discussion Summary
 
Session II: Management of Corporate Philanthropy
   Bridging Corporate Culture and Community Needs
Mark A. Vermillion, Manager, Apple Computer Corporate Grants, Apple Computer, Inc.
   Improving Corporate Philanthropy in Japan
Nobuaki Mochizuki, Executive Director, Nippon Life Insurance Foundation
   Foundation Management under Difficult Circumstances
Donald S. Rickerd, President, Donner Canadian Foundation
  Types of Corporate Giving in Japan
Tatsuo Ohta, General Manager, Trust Department, Mitsui & Banking Co., Ltd.
   Discussion Summary 
 
Session III: Priorities of International Philanthropy
   Goals and Priorities of International Philanthropy in Developing Nations
Bienvenido A. Tan, Jr., President, Philippine Business for Social Progress
   Contribution to the Third World Development: A Company Priority
Robert F. Longley, Senior Vice President, Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York 
  Overseas Development and International Cooperation
Peter F. Geithner, Program Officer in Charge of Developing Country Programs, Ford Foundation 
   The Need for Professional Assistance and Tax Exemption for Japanese International Philanthropy
Saburo Okita, Former Foreign Minister; President, International University of Japan 
   Role of Japanese Philanthropy in Creating a Healthy International Environment
Soedjatmoko, Rector, United Nations University
   Human Development and International Research Cooperation for the 21st Century
Atsushi Shimokobe, President, National Institute for Research Advancement 
   Role of Private Foundations in Internationalization: Lessons from Europe
Laurens Jan Brinkhorst, Head, Delegation of the Commission of the European Communities in Japan
   Discussion Summary

Appendices
Tokyo © 1986 Japan Center for International Exchange. All Rights Reserved.
65 pages