Alumni Associations Doing Diaspora Philanthropy: Learning from a Case of Rapid Response During the COVID-19 Outbreak

• In Event: Voluntary Action in a Crisis

Abstract

This paper uses a case study to explore an atypical type of intermediary organization, alumni associations, for diaspora philanthropy during crisis.
Diaspora philanthropy refers to charitable giving by migrants living in host countries who maintain emotional and financial ties to their homeland (Chen, 2021; Flanigan, 2017; Sheffer, 1986). Typically, diaspora philanthropy occurs through intermediary organizations, such as hometown associations and faith-based groups, which serve as a link between diaspora donors and their home communities (Newland et al., 2010; Brinkerhoff, 2012). These organizations can identify the needs and priorities of local communities and communicate them effectively to donors, facilitating philanthropic contributions from migrants in their country of residence to their country of origin (Brinkerhoff, 2012).
In recent years, new types of intermediary organizations have also begun to participate in diaspora philanthropy. One example of these atypical intermediary organizations is alumni associations. Alumni Associations typically aim to foster connections among former students and promote the reputation of universities, rather than organizing philanthropic events or encouraging charitable behavior. However, for example, in response to urgent needs during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in China, many alumni associations of Chinese universities located abroad organized fundraisers and engaged in diaspora philanthropy to support the purchase of medical supplies and other critical needs.
Since this new type of intermediary organization for diaspora philanthropy has not been documented well yet by the existing literature, this study seeks to understand the process of diaspora philanthropy done by alumni associations and the factors that contribute to its success or challenges. Additionally, the study examines the advantages and disadvantages of alumni associations as intermediary organizations. The goal of the research is to understand how well alumni associations, as amateur organizations, were able to perform diaspora philanthropy.
This case study focuses specifically on the Wuhan University Great New York Alumni Association (WUGNYAA). To address the research questions, the researcher utilized two data sources: document analysis and semi-structured interviews. The document analysis involved examining news articles and reports that highlighted the efforts of WUGNYAA in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan. On the other hand, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six key leaders of the association to gain deeper insights into their experiences in mobilizing resources for diaspora philanthropy.
Preliminary results show that even though they had never done philanthropic work before, they achieved great success. Three factors contributed to their success: a devoted team of leaders who have built long-lasting, trusting relationships with one another, which makes for a seamless collaboration; well-connected alumni networks which brought resources and information; and transparent process of fundraising and purchasing, which fostered an image of trustworthiness to donors. Compared to other types of intermediary organizations, alumni associations have the inherent advantages of having access to experts in their respective fields, solid bonds with the university and the community to which the university is affiliated, and the capability and willingness to contribute both resources and time.

References

References
Brinkerhoff, J. M. (2012). Creating an Enabling Environment for Diasporas’ Participation in Homeland Development. International Migration, 50(1), 75–95. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2435.2009.00542.x
Chen, X. (2021). Immigrant-owned small businesses’ participation in diaspora philanthropy: A case study during the COVID-19 outbreak. New England Journal of Entrepreneurship, ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print). https://doi.org/10.1108/NEJE-08-2020-0033
Flanigan, S. T. (2017). Crowdfunding and Diaspora Philanthropy: An Integration of the Literature and Major Concepts. VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, 28(2), 492–509. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-016-9755-7
Newland, K., Terrazas, A., & Munster, R. (2010). Diaspora philanthropy: Private giving and public policy (pp. 1–32). Migration Policy Institute.
Sheffer, G. (1986). A new field of study: Modern diasporas in international politics. Modern Diasporas in International Politics, 8.

Author

• Ximeng Chen, Sacred Heart University