Report highlights limited preventive action in the face of the climate crisis and the need for more structural strategies in Private Social Investment
The climate crisis, declining trust in institutions, and the need for more sophisticated financial models may redefine the priorities of Brazilian philanthropy. This is the conclusion of the report Perspectives for Brazilian Philanthropy 2026, released by IDIS – Institute for the Development of Social Investment. The study analyzes global and national trends that impact Private Social Investment and argues that the sector is at an inflection point: increasing resources alone is not enough; it is necessary to strengthen legitimacy, incorporate climate as a cross-cutting strategic criterion, and advance innovative financing mechanisms.
The study is structured around eight strategic perspectives that guide the analysis of the philanthropy landscape in Brazil in 2026: institutional trust and legitimacy, innovative financing, community participation, integration with public policies, artificial intelligence, legacy, the family philanthropy ecosystem, and—cutting across all of them—climate as a structuring criterion for strategic decision-making.
According to Paula Fabiani, CEO of IDIS, “the climate crisis is an unavoidable issue for philanthropy and requires integration across work in multiple causes. In this sense, Brazilian philanthropy needs to reaffirm its purpose and strengthen a long-term vision, in dialogue with global movements and growing socio-environmental demands. This path involves the continuous review of practices and priorities, with the willingness to learn, adjust course, and adapt”.
Trust as a strategic asset
Data from the Edelman Trust Barometer 2026 indicate the rise of what has been called an “insular mindset”: 7 out of 10 people hesitate to trust those who think differently. In Brazil, the Brazil Giving Research 2024 reveals that only 30% of respondents perceive NGOs as trustworthy. In this context, the report highlights that transparency is necessary but not sufficient. Strengthening governance, responsible communication, and connections with society becomes essential to rebuild legitimacy.
Innovative financing and the regulatory environment
Instruments such as blended finance, hybrid funds, and matchfunding are gaining relevance, but still face regulatory barriers and low legal predictability. The gradual implementation of Brazil’s tax reform starting in 2026 may open opportunities to align incentives with the public role of philanthropy and expand the scale of innovative models.
This perspective is already materializing in initiatives such as Together for Health, from the The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES), managed by IDIS. The initiative adopts a matchfunding model, combining public capital with non-repayable private resources to strengthen Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS) in the North and Northeast regions.
Access the full report and explore the details of all eight perspectives:
