Airbnb donates $10 million to 120 nonprofits on 6 continents through its unusual community fund

NEW YORK (AP) — Airbnb (ABNB) on Tuesday donated a total of $10 million to more than 120 nonprofits in 44 countries on six continents, the short-term rental giant's latest outlays in its unusual distribution of $100 million through its Airbnb Community Fund. 

The grantees include Digify Africa, which helps young people join Africa’s digital economy, the Japanese Service Dog Resource Center, and the Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. All the groups receiving funds were selected, not by Airbnb or its employees, but by the hosts who rent out their properties on the platform. 

While many corporations are shifting more of their philanthropy decisions from corporate suite executives to employees by matching their donations, few have gone as far as Airbnb — which has at times faced criticism for its effect on housing markets and tourist destinations — in turning over control of funds to outside groups. 

“Airbnb has a 21st century company view,” said Janaye Ingram, Airbnb’s director of community partner programs and engagement. “We want to do things that benefit all of our stakeholders — our employees, our hosts, our guests, the communities in which we operate and our shareholders. Partnering with our host community is a really important way for us to share our success with them.”