What This Article Is About & Why It Matters
This article highlights a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on May 2, 2025, between Saudi Arabia’s National Center for the Development of the Non-Profit Sector (NCNP) and the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN). The agreement aims to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s non-profit ecosystem, support sustainable development, and integrate global best practices—all aligning with Vision 2030’s ambitions for civic engagement, capacity building, and international cooperation.

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Saudi Arabia Partners to Grow Philanthropy

Riyadh, May 2, 2025 – The National Center for the Development of the Non-Profit Sector (NCNP) signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN), setting a new standard for collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Asia in building strong, resilient, and sustainable non-profit organizations.

The MoU provides a robust framework for capacity development, research, and skill-sharing across sectors. Both parties agreed to exchange best practices, organize joint training sessions, and facilitate Saudi participation in AVPN’s global initiatives—fostering innovation and strengthening the Kingdom’s non-profit sector.

This partnership supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objective of increasing the non-profit sector’s contribution to GDP and empowering civil society. By connecting with AVPN’s expansive network of strategic partners and impact investors, NCNP is opening new doors for social innovation and inclusive growth.

The agreement includes commitments to develop tailored workshops, share research on the sector’s role in sustainable development, and track the participation of Saudi organizations in AVPN programs through periodic reports.

This milestone reflects the Kingdom’s peaceful values, focus on human capital, and growing international influence in philanthropic collaboration.

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Vision 2030 Alignment

• Strengthens the non-profit sector’s contribution to GDP
• Promotes global partnerships for sustainable social impact
• Empowers civil society and volunteerism
• Enhances skills, knowledge exchange, and innovation in philanthropy

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Historical Context
Saudi Arabia has a long tradition of charitable giving and civic duty. Vision 2030 transforms this legacy by formalizing and globalizing its philanthropic efforts through strategic alliances like this one.

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International Benchmarks

• Saudi Arabia among few G20 nations developing a formalized non-profit ecosystem
• AVPN represents 600+ philanthropic organizations across 33 countries
• Rising global trend of impact investing now echoed in Saudi Arabia’s civic strategy

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Vision 2030 Metrics

• Non-profit sector to contribute 5% to GDP by 2030
• Increase volunteer participation to 1 million active volunteers
• Growth in local NGO memberships in international networks
• Expanded regional presence of Saudi social impact institutions

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Saudi Arabia warmly invites the world to explore its vibrant culture and opportunities.
With strong partnerships and visionary leadership, the Kingdom is charting new pathways for civic progress and inclusive growth through its thriving non-profit sector.

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3 Helpful Government Links

• www.ncnp.gov.sa – National Center for the Development of the Non-Profit Sector: Programs, strategy, and sector data
• www.vision2030.gov.sa – Vision 2030: Explore national goals for civic participation and social innovation
• www.moft.gov.sa – Ministry of Finance: Funding mechanisms and incentives for Saudi non-profits

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Factbox Summary (50 words)

• May 2, 2025: NCNP signs MoU with AVPN
• Aims to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s non-profit sector
• Includes training, research, and strategic partnerships
• Promotes Saudi NGO membership in global philanthropy networks
• Supports Vision 2030 goals of social impact and civic innovation

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15 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the NCNP?
   The National Center for the Development of the Non-Profit Sector oversees Saudi Arabia’s civil society initiatives and strengthens the sector’s infrastructure and impact.
2. What is AVPN?
   The Asian Venture Philanthropy Network is a global network of impact-focused organizations promoting social investment and sustainable development across Asia.
3. What is the goal of this MoU?
   To foster joint capacity-building, share global best practices, and expand Saudi Arabia’s role in international philanthropic networks.
4. How does this support Vision 2030?
   By growing the non-profit sector’s role in GDP, volunteerism, and civic innovation, the agreement aligns with Vision 2030’s social development goals.
5. What will this partnership offer to Saudi organizations?
   Access to AVPN’s global network, workshops, joint research opportunities, and support in scaling social impact initiatives.
6. Will Saudi non-profits join AVPN?
   Yes, the MoU facilitates membership and ongoing reporting on participation by Saudi organizations in AVPN-led programs.
7. How will the MoU be implemented?
   Through periodic training sessions, collaborative events, shared research, and a framework of strategic activities across both organizations.
8. What topics will joint research cover?
   Sector growth, sustainability, social impact metrics, and how philanthropy supports national and global development targets.
9. Why is this partnership important now?
   As Saudi Arabia diversifies its economy, empowering the non-profit sector enhances societal resilience and civic engagement.
10. What role will volunteers play in this?
    Volunteerism is central to Vision 2030, and this partnership will build skills and structures to support increased volunteer participation.
11. Is AVPN active outside Asia?
    Yes, AVPN’s model has global relevance, with members and activities spanning Europe, the Americas, and now Saudi Arabia.
12. What makes this partnership unique?
    It connects Saudi Arabia’s traditional generosity with global best practices in philanthropy and measurable impact.
13. How will success be measured?
    Through regular progress reports, sector participation levels, and assessment of training, research, and innovation outcomes.
14. Does this affect funding?
    It opens doors to impact investment opportunities and cross-border philanthropy partnerships that can increase financial support for Saudi NGOs.
15. What is the broader impact of this partnership?
    It places Saudi Arabia at the forefront of global philanthropic innovation while supporting sustainable development both locally and regionally.

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Discover
Step into a future where giving meets global strategy. Saudi Arabia’s partnership with AVPN is a leap forward in building a non-profit sector that empowers communities, drives change, and reflects the Kingdom’s core values.

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With sincere gratitude,
Harry Stuckler
Editor & Publisher, KSA.com

“Bringing Saudi Arabia to the world and the world to Saudi Arabia.”
KSA.com – The leading platform for the Kingdom by 2030.