The Puzzling Relationship Between Generosity and Civil Society in Mexico Michael D. Layton, Ph.D. Philanthropy and Civil Society Project Book Launch and Seminar: Philanthropy and Civil Society in Mexico and Among Mexicans in New York Baruch College School of Public Affairs April 7, 2011 Philanthropy and Civil Society Project

How do Mexicans express their generosity? How can Mexican generosity be channeled into the strenghtening of organized civil society? Introduction

II. The Puzzle: A Generous People…

Percentage of the Economically Active Population engaged in the non-profit sector United States World Average ArgentinaMexico II. The Puzzle: …but an underdeveloped nonprofit sector Source: Johns Hopkins Comparative Nonprofit Sector Project.

II. The Puzzle: Why doesn’t generosity lead to a strong civil society?

Motivation Preparation Execution III. Solving the Puzzle: National Survey on Philanthropy and Civil Society (ENAFI)

The results of the ENAFI help us solve the puzzle IV. The Results: How do Mexicans express their generosity?

Source : ENAFI 2008

Directly to a need person (60%) Monthly income (pesos) Other DK/NA It is easy Out of charity, pity o rsolidarity Trust that the money will be well used Because I don’t trust organizations DK/NA 2%16%30%42%10% Up to $1,300 3%18%24%40%15% $1,301-$3,900 4%22%33%31%11% $3,901-$6,500 3%25%27%32%13% $6,501-$13,000 2%22%26%29%21% $13,001 and above 2%7%31%26%33% Over-all averge 3%18%28%33%17% Why do you prefer to give directly to the needy?

To Institutions (16%) Monthly income (pesos) DK/NA Greater impact Trust that the organización will make good use Tax deductability People keep asking but nothing changes DK/NA 0%9%77%9%6% Up to $1,300 0%16%68%11%5% $1,301-$3,900 3%19%47%7%18% $3,901-$6,500 1%18%69%2%8% $6,501-$13,000 2%19%60%0%14% $13,001 and above 0%14%59%5%23% Over-all averge 1%16%63%5%12% Why do you prefer to give directly to institutions?

Source: ENAFI 2008

Mexicans give to those who ask for it: and currently they do not feel that philanthropic organizations have invited them to participate. Generosity is a direct reflection of a person’s sense of trust and belonging, especially in Mexico. Generosity a la mexicana takes place, not through institutions but rather through more informal channels. How do Mexicans express their generosity?

The results of the ENAFI help us solve the puzzle: Informal channels -- not institutions. Generosity, but not the nonprofit sector IV. The Results: How do Mexicans express their generosity?

Mexican PeopleNonprofit Organizations Lack of Trust Low participation : time, talent, treasure Accountability and Transparency Initiatives to promote participation Don´t understand the actions of the sector Visibility V. The true puzzle: How we promote the development of generosity towards growing the Mexican Third Sector

Institutions, not informality. Demonstrated impact, not pity. Social investment, not alms. V. The true puzzle: How can Mexican generosity strengthen civil society?

Michael D. Layton, Ph.D. Director of the Philanthropy and Civil Society Project twitter.com/MDLayton THANK YOU!