Empowering Communities in the Pearl River Delta
Nestled in the heart of the Pearl River Delta, one of China’s most economically developed regions, the Guangdong Harmony Community Foundation (Harmony Foundation) is dedicated to fostering a thriving civil society. Founded by local entrepreneurs and scholars, the foundation serves as a public welfare hub, working alongside diverse organizations and individuals to address key community challenges. Through its extensive experience in funding and mobilizing communities, Harmony Foundation enhances local capacity to drive sustainable development.
Give2Asia has proudly partnered with Harmony Foundation since 2020, supporting its mission through multiple grant projects. As part of a recent staff offsite, members of Give2Asia’s team from the U.S. and Beijing had the opportunity to visit the foundation’s facilities, engage with its staff, and witness the direct impact of its initiatives. This visit provided valuable insights into the foundation’s innovative approaches to community development and reinforced the importance of investing in locally led solutions.
A Community-Driven Approach to Development
At the heart of Harmony Foundation’s work is a belief that community development must be led by its people. By engaging residents in meaningful ways, the foundation fosters 
governance structures that reflect local needs and ensure long-term sustainability. Rather than implementing solutions from the top down, Harmony Foundation identifies and empowers individuals and organizations within the community, enabling them to drive change from within.
Currently, the foundation focuses on two critical issues in the Pearl River Delta region:
- Community Climate Change Response: This initiative helps underprivileged communities mitigate the direct and indirect risks posed by climate change. By raising awareness and shaping public opinion, the program strengthens local capacity to address environmental challenges effectively.
- Migrant Children Community Education: Many children of migrant workers face social and emotional hurdles when integrating into their new urban environments. This project provides resources and support to help children build relationships, develop social-emotional learning skills, and feel a stronger sense of belonging.
Harmony Foundation also plays a vital role in capacity building within the philanthropic sector. It integrates professional development into all its projects and provides tailored learning systems for those interested in advancing social impact work. By investing in people, the foundation ensures that change is not only effective but also enduring.
Stories of Transformation
The impact of Harmony Foundation’s work is best reflected in the stories of the individuals it has empowered. One such example is Mr. Bean, a painter who once worked in a mass-market art factory. Struggling with depression, he found a new purpose within the community by creating public artworks for residents. Over time, his role evolved into leading art therapy sessions for local children, demonstrating how personal transformation can ripple through a community.
During the Give2Asia staff visit, team members also had the opportunity to hear firsthand from a long-time resident who has lived in the community for 19 years. She shared how the foundation’s efforts have dramatically improved her neighborhood and pointed out some of her favorite public art pieces—visible from her kitchen window—as a testament to the program’s impact.
Observations from the Staff Visit
The Give2Asia team met with Harmony Foundation staff and visited several community centers, including projects supporting professional development for nonprofit leaders. One standout initiative was the Mastering, Philosophy, Science (MPS) Program, a set of learning courses designed for professionals in the philanthropic and social sectors. Through this program, participants gain new skills to enhance their work, with some even going on to establish their own nonprofits.
The visit reinforced the importance of connecting with local beneficiaries. Grant Operations Manager Annly Duong reflected, “Meeting the people whose lives have been transformed by these initiatives was incredibly inspiring. It’s one thing to read about the impact but witnessing it firsthand underscores the importance of supporting community-led efforts.”
Senior Philanthropy Advisor Tiffany Cao highlighted the broader implications of the visit. “Seeing the creativity and resilience within these communities reinforced the value of investing in locally driven solutions. The Harmony Foundation is not just providing aid—it’s cultivating leaders who will continue to strengthen their communities for years to come,” she said.
Zhang Rong, the Director of Partnership Development from Harmony Foundation also shared her perspective on the collaboration. “At Harmony Foundation, we believe that true change happens when communities are empowered to take action themselves. Our partnership with Give2Asia helps us expand our reach and provide critical resources to those who need them most.” She continued, “It was a pleasure to host the Give2Asia team and showcase the work we are doing to build a more sustainable future together.”
Strengthening a Lasting Partnership
Since becoming a Give2Asia grantee in 2020, Harmony Foundation has completed five grant projects with two more on track to start this year, each amplifying its efforts to build resilient communities in the Pearl River Delta. The foundation’s commitment to community-led change aligns closely with Give2Asia’s mission of supporting locally driven philanthropy.
Through continued donor support, Give2Asia can help expand Harmony Foundation’s reach, ensuring that more individuals and organizations receive the resources they need to drive meaningful change. To learn more or get involved, contact your philanthropy advisor or request a consultation.
By working together, we can help build stronger, more resilient communities—one empowered individual at a time.