Here’s a collection of frequently asked questions. If you still have questions, please contact our team at info @givingtide.org.
1. Who is eligible to join the Givingtide? Can individuals participate?
Givingtide is open to all nations, corporations, and foundations, regardless of size, sector, or geography. Any institution committed to uplifting the world’s poorest is warmly invited; there are no minimum resource requirements. While Givingtide’s primary focus is on institutions, individuals who meet certain criteria may be granted honorary status as de facto institutions and issued a charter that entitles them to sign the Givingtide in their own right. Other individuals can play a vital role by encouraging their affiliated organizations to join or by supporting the Universal Project.
2. Is there a cost or any legal obligation to joining?
No. Signing the Givingtide is entirely free and voluntary. There is no membership fee and no legal contract involved. Givingtide is a moral declaration of intent designed to inspire leadership, not to impose enforceable requirements. Participation is shaped by your own values and discretion.
3. What does “Resources” mean in the 1% Equity Giving?
“Resources” refer to annual financial assets:
- For nations, Gross National Income (GNI)
- For corporations, pre-tax profit or revenue
- For foundations, annual budgets or endowments
While you may begin with in-kind gifts, the primary goal is to build towards a dedicated financial contribution for maximum impact.
One option for corporations is to donate equity or stock—ideally before major liquidity events. For more information on this option, contact us via equity@givingtide.org
4. Do we have to give the full 1% immediately?
No. The 1% figure is an aspirational benchmark and rallying point. Each signatory determines when and how to reach this goal based on their circumstances. Some may surpass 1%, others may start below and increase gradually over time as capacity grows. However, the intention is for every signatory to progress towards at least 1% giving.
5. We already donate 1% and support global causes, why formally join the tide?
Joining aligns your efforts with a global coalition, amplifying your impact, voice, and recognition. You gain visibility, model language for communicating your commitment, access to learning networks, and opportunities for joint action, enhancing your influence and supporting best practices globally.
6. How do we activate our giving? What support does Givingtide International provide after joining
Once you sign, you will receive guidance and optional templates to help align your programs with Givingtide’s principles. You can access a community of peer leaders, strategic briefings, workshops, and opportunities for collaboration. You retain complete control over the design and destination of your giving.
7. How can smaller or lower-income signatories participate meaningfully?
Every signatory is valued for their proportional contribution, not their total budget. Givingtide creates a level playing field: the same 1% commitment means moral parity between the largest and smallest institutions. Modest gifts are meaningful, contribute to the global campaign, and unlock access to peer support, recognition, and movement-building for all.
8. Can our nation/corporation/foundation participate if our primary focus has been on local needs?
Absolutely. Givingtide calls for adding a global dimension to your giving, not replacing your local commitments. You may continue to prioritize your community while also designating at least a portion of your giving to the world’s poorest—a dual approach to solidarity.
9. Does Givingtide decide how or where our funds are allocated?
No. Signatories retain full authority over all funding decisions and priorities. Givingtide offers research, recommendations on impactful areas (like the poorest 10%), and peer examples, but you choose your causes, beneficiaries, and geographies.
10. How can we ensure our giving aligns with the “poorest 10%” target?
We recommend referencing global poverty data—such as from the World Bank or IMF—to guide support toward the lowest-income nations and underserved populations, wherever they reside. Our team can provide resources and practical frameworks to help you identify high-impact areas aligned with your mission. We also encourage that at least 50% of your 1% Equity Giving be directed as close to the poor as possible, ideally through direct fund transfer rather than projects or intermediaries. However, the final decision remains entirely yours.
11. What is the Universal Project (U.P.), and does giving to it count towards our 1%?
The Universal Project is a single, high‑impact initiative chosen each year as a rallying point for coordinated collective action—examples include the Institute of Preemptology in 2026. Contributions are entirely voluntary, and you may count donations to the U.P. toward your 1% commitment if you choose. This lets you preserve your independent giving priorities while joining a global effort on key challenges.
12. Will any part of my 1% Equity Giving automatically support Givingtide?
No. Your 1% is deployed to the causes you choose. Givingtide’s operations are sustained by independent contributions. As a nonprofit, Givingtide is funded by individual and corporate donors and foundations, including our Board, Philadvocates and Philivoices among others. If you wish to make a supplemental gift to power our global advocacy, please contact us at fundraising@givingtide.org.
12. How does Givingtide ensure transparency and accountability for the movement and the Universal Project?
Givingtide fosters a culture of openness by regularly sharing stories, data, and metrics (with your consent), and by aggregating insights across all signatories.
For the Universal Project, all contributions are managed by the GivingTide Trust—run by independent Corporate Trustees who publish public statements of account. This guarantees responsible stewardship and transparent reporting on all funds.
13. Are there reports, audits, or mandatory public disclosures?
Formal audits or compliance are not required. You are invited (but not obligated) to share progress, outcomes, and lessons learned for voluntary storytelling and global peer inspiration. This approach builds trust, facilitates learning, and demonstrates collective achievement without bureaucracy.
14. What benefits and recognition do signatories receive?
Signatories are recognized as movement co-founders, profiled on the Givingtide Honor Roll, invited to exclusive forums and learning sessions, and offered opportunities to co-lead signature initiatives. The primary value is joining a coalition proving that shared humanity and solidarity are the hallmarks of twenty-first–century leadership.
If you have a scenario or need not addressed here, reach us directly to discuss customizing your Givingtide journey.