The World Bank Group has launched a new Philanthropy Hub to mobilise funding, technical expertise and partnerships for development projects, including agricultural productivity, healthcare, water access and other critical sectors.

The platform aims to connect philanthropic foundations, investors, development institutions and private-sector partners with initiatives that require additional funding and specialist support to expand their impact.

The launch was announced at the inaugural Philanthropy Forum during the World Bank Group’s 2026 Annual Meetings, where representatives from philanthropic foundations, family offices and development organisations discussed opportunities to increase funding for development priorities.

World Bank Group Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer Paschal Donohoe said philanthropic partnerships were becoming increasingly important as development needs grew and governments faced pressure on public finances. He noted that philanthropic organisations could contribute not only grants but also investment capital, technical expertise and networks to help development programmes reach more communities.

The World Bank Group said philanthropic partners were already supporting initiatives such as Mission 300, Health Works and Water Forward, which focus on expanding electricity access, improving healthcare and strengthening water security.

Agriculture is among the key areas expected to benefit from the initiative. Through its AgriConnect programme, the World Bank Group aims to improve agricultural productivity and support smallholder farmers, helping strengthen food systems and create economic opportunities in rural communities.

The initiative is expected to receive additional partnership support following memoranda of understanding signed with the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) and Temasek Trust on the sidelines of the forum.

AVPN will use its regional network to connect foundations, social investors and private-sector organisations with development programmes. It has also announced a dedicated fund to support Health Works, which aims to help 1.5 billion people gain access to quality, affordable healthcare, through technical assistance for implementation.

Temasek Trust will collaborate with the World Bank Group to develop partnership models that attract philanthropic funding and expand the reach of development initiatives, including AgriConnect, Health Works and Water Forward.

The Philanthropy Hub will also bring together research institutions, philanthropic networks and advisory organisations to share data, evidence and practical experience. Its network includes the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, Latimpacto, Philanthropy Asia Alliance and the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society, alongside advisory and research organisations such as Boston Consulting Group, Bridgespan, Dalberg and Coefficient Giving.

The World Bank Group said the platform would provide a central point of entry for philanthropic organisations seeking to support development projects, making it easier to identify investment opportunities, coordinate resources and contribute expertise.

The launch comes as governments face competing demands for public spending, increasing the importance of mobilising additional capital to support economic growth, job creation and improved living standards.

For agriculture, the initiative could create opportunities to strengthen support for smallholder farmers, improve productivity and expand access to resources needed to build more resilient food systems. The extent of its impact will depend on how effectively philanthropic funding and expertise are channelled into projects and implemented across participating countries.