Philanthropy is the act of giving performed by human beings for human welfare purposes. Despite having the same goal orientation, various approaches and definition has been used in different countries in the bit to provide philanthropic efforts. This research seeks to explore the various forms of philanthropic work in selected Southern African states. The research dwelt on the operations of all philanthropic organisations and philanthropic giving with a view to highlight their scope of operations, decision making criterion, budget sizes, registration and regulations, and their spending and donor trends among other variables of interest. In addition, the research characterized the philanthropy and charity landscape of Southern Africa, including the region’s history of charitable giving, the nature of modern charitable institutions, and key sources of funding for charitable activities. Primary data for the research was collected using questionnaires from identified and targeted local philanthropic organizations in the selected countries. The findings indicated that in all the countries under study foundations are only allowed to operate after full registration in the country of operation. The majority of foundations in these countries are still very small and generate small revenues. The study contributed to understanding of the philanthropic work in the different countries researched, the legal framework in these countries and how philanthropy is regularised and classified.