Cross-border philanthropy is often more complicated than many nonprofits expect. Regulatory barriers, tax rules, and donor requirements can make it difficult for organizations outside the United States to receive funding from American donors. The 2025 Snapshot report from Myriad USA highlights how one intermediary has become an important bridge in this space—helping nonprofits worldwide access U.S. philanthropy.

According to Myriad USA, the organization has facilitated $195 million in grants in 2025, reaching 1,075 nonprofits in 103 countries.This funding supported a wide range of causes including health, education, arts and culture, environmental protection, and social development.

The scale of this activity demonstrates how international philanthropy increasingly depends on infrastructure organizations that can simplify cross-border giving, even when donors require a so-called 501(c)(3). More about alternatives to a 501(c)(3) can be found here.

A key element of Myriad USA’s approach is its “American Friends Fund” structure, often referred to informally as a “friends-of” option. Through this model, foreign nonprofits can establish a U.S.-based fundraising vehicle hosted by Myriad USA, enabling American donors to make tax-deductible gifts to organizations abroad. For many international NGOs, this structure provides a practical and cost-effective way to access the U.S. philanthropic market without setting up their own U.S. entity. In fact, Myriad USA currently hosts American Friends Funds for more than 1,600 nonprofits worldwide, demonstrating the growing demand for such mechanisms.The organization also complements this with advisory services, donor-advised funds, and learning programs that connect nonprofit leaders with fundraising expertise and philanthropic networks.

The geographic distribution of grants in 2025 shows interesting patterns. Europe accounted for the largest share of grants, with 681 grants totaling approximately $137.5 million. This indicates that European nonprofits are among the most active users of Myriad USA’s platform to reach American donors. For many European organizations—particularly universities, cultural institutions, and international NGOs—the U.S. remains a significant philanthropic market, and mechanisms like the “friends-of” structure help reduce administrative and regulatory barriers.

At the same time, it is important to recognize that Myriad USA represents one pathway among several for international nonprofits seeking funding in the United States. Organizations may also establish their own U.S. 501(c)(3) entities, work with fiscal sponsors, or partner with U.S. foundations and donor-advised fund sponsors. Each model comes with different costs, governance implications, and levels of control.

Within that broader landscape, Myriad USA plays a distinctive and valuable role. By providing a ready-made infrastructure for cross-border philanthropy, it enables nonprofits to focus on building relationships with donors rather than navigating legal and tax complexities. The 2025 Snapshot illustrates how this facilitation can translate into tangible results: hundreds of millions of dollars directed to organizations addressing global challenges.

For nonprofits considering fundraising in the United States, the report offers a clear message: access to the U.S. philanthropic ecosystem often depends on the right structures and partners. Myriad USA has become one of the key organizations making that access possible.