Chinese philanthropic sector is mainly formed by foundations.  Foundations in China include public foundations and private foundations. Public foundations are allowed to raise funds directly from the public, while private foundations are prohibited from public fund-raising, and instead can only rely on endowments from wealthy donors or corporations. In China, most foundations  are running their own projects rather than giving grants to other social organizations as implementing partners. As of 2016, there were 5,559 registered foundations in China. Their activities fall under the Regulations on Foundations’ Management (RAF)  adopted in June 2004.
   The well-known public foundations in China include the Chinese Children and Youth Foundation, the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation, the Soong Ching Ling Foundation and the China Youth Development Foundation. According to the survey from China Foundation Center, education is the most popular area of work for both private and public foundations. Other areas of focus include poverty reduction, public health, culture and art, children, and disaster relief.
Photo credit: UNESCO