We live in an exciting time for philanthropy—more and more, we’re seeing nonprofits, governments, and the media prioritize local community voices. #GivingTuesday raised more money than ever before. People are organizing to create local change in every country on the planet.

When the GlobalGiving nonprofit community shared their hopes and predictions for philanthropy in 2019, two themes emerged. First, community leaders recognize the value of collaboration and hope more nonprofits and governments work together to create positive change. Second, people from all over continue to press for organized action on climate change. These two predictions—and the others, laid out below—demonstrate hope for our shared world in 2019. Read each prediction below:

1. “My prediction for philanthropy in 2019 is that many civil society organizations will seek alliances and merge across the globe for a common goal. However, most philanthropy will focus on social entrepreneurs. Going solo has proved not to be working anymore—be it crowdfunding or grantmaking, both require support from other networks. People don’t fund organizations—they fund individuals they relate to. Above all, alliance is the way forward.”
 
— Charles Ngiela from Kenya Christian School for the Deaf in Kenya

2. “My philanthropic prediction is that more and more funds will be dedicated towards combating the toxic politics prevalent in the USA and more humanitarian causes will receive funding to address climate-related disasters. My hope for 2019 is that companies and foundations realize the value of funding projects that address the root causes of climate change.”
 
— Sangita Iyer from Voice for Asian Elephants Society in India

3. “Ghanaians are gradually embracing philanthropy by reaching out and supporting causes as individuals—previously, most support came from corporate organizations. Crowdfunding platforms have paved a way for online donations, because in the past the average Ghanaian was scared to use his debit or credit card on such platforms. Because of online giving, I believe 2019 will see a boost in philanthropy in Ghana.”
 
— Comfort Glipko Boa-Amponsem from Dels Foundation in Ghana

4. “We hope that in 2019 donors will recognize the immense importance of supporting projects that strive to improve literacy. Literacy is the necessary foundation that can guarantee any country’s economic growth, peace, and long-term prosperity. Without people being able to read, listen, interpret, understand, remember, analyse, evaluate, and create information, any interventions to reduce crime, drug abuse, and poverty, and improve infrastructure, employment, and health will not have any long-term impact.”
 
— Ray Schöne from Youth Potential South Africa in South Africa

5. “I predict that more philanthropy will be aimed at solar power and redirection from conventional energy sources, and more donations will be drawn to this because of the significance to our planet. Second, I hope for collaboration on an international, political scale. More global collaboration on energy, trade, and international philanthropy can ease political tensions worldwide. This is critical to the existence of our planet.”
 
— Nicolina Stewart from Sugar’s Gift in the United States

6. “We hope that values such as gratitude, honesty, sharing, transparency, and responsibility are no longer overrated. We are eager to reconnect with nature and our own spirituality, and want so badly to love each other. And henceforth, the principle of giving and receiving is no longer an economic aspect, but an ethical one.”
 
— Gudrun Olaya from Fundacion Vivatma in Colombia

7. “I hope that collaboration remains at the front burner. I also hope for more emphasis on the environment and job creation, action on climate change, and support for women entrepreneurs.”
 
— Ifeyinwa Ezeagu from Phelyn Skill Acquisition Center in Nigeria

8. “Our hope is that more donors understand and are willing to invest in capacities and skill-building processes of marginalized communities, which always may not be as tangible as the number of toilets built. The hope is for the donor community to understand that capacity enhancement prepares communities to intervene in a wide range of issues.”
 
— Pallavi Sobti Rajpal from Utthan in India

9. “I’m hopeful that despite *and* because of the turmoil in the world, people will recognize that supporting causes that matter to them is more important than ever. I hope that more people find their own reason and connect with causes in 2019 that make them feel good about giving.”
 
— Piper Hendricks from p.h. Balanced Films in the United States

These reflections have been edited for length and clarity.

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