ABSTRACT
In 1919, Conrad Hilton founded a globally recognizable brand. He bought his first hotel in Cisco, Texas during the oil boom of the time. This chapter focuses on the international dimension of the Hilton Foundation’s giving strategy. Engaging grantee and grantee constituent communities, for a US-based foundation takes on a particular dynamics internationally, especially in developing countries in the global south. The Hilton Foundation works with local people who are familiar with local socioeconomic situations. All of the Hilton Foundation’s international programs are in 17 countries in Africa and specifically focused on sub-Saharan Africa because the foundation wanted to rationalize resources and develop capacities. The willingness to reflect on how the foundation serves its constituent populations in Africa and listen to local perspectives is an important reflection of the sense of responsibility the Hilton Foundation feels toward the nations in which they work.
