Collecting and analysing data from philanthropic organisations, the fifth volume of the mapping seeks to build upon and extend the breadth of the previous mapping of 2018 which covered over 4,000 grants worth €583 million.
The new European Social Catalyst Fund is designed to have significant impact on some of Europe’s most pressing social challenges.
PEXforum2020, in Madrid, was a unique European gathering of 130 people from 41 philanthropy networks. To bring such a collection of knowledge and experience together, to put faces to names, to witness almost the entire support ecosystem in one space, and to learn more about our respective contributions to the philanthropy field would have been a successful outcome in itself. The impact, however, was much greater than the sum of the many and diverse individual parts.
There are vast amounts of data that, if aggregated and analysed well, could help us improve our work and the work of the entire ecosystem. Time has come for us to collectively forge a vision for using data more effectively and openly by flinging open the doors of understanding of what philanthropy is in the European context.
Looking at the priorities of the new European Commission, that took office on 1 December 2019, Max von Abendroth highlights the overlap with the work and ambitions of the philanthropy sector – identifying new opportunities and citing a note of caution.
The Ford Foundation recently published “From Generosity to Justice: A New Gospel of Wealth”. A direct reference to Andrew Carnegie’s eponymous essay, the book sits within a long tradition of grappling with what the role and purpose of philanthropy in our society should be. Is this conversation specific to the US context or does it reflect deeper, universal questions about philanthropy?
While it is easy for goods and services to move freely around Europe, it is still difficult for donors, foundations and committed citizens to act philanthropically across borders. The time is ripe for a European Single Market for Philanthropy.
The DAFNE and EFC joint advocacy project ‘Philanthropy Advocacy’ acts as a monitoring, legal analysis and advocacy hub for European philanthropy. Our objective is to implement the advocacy roadmap for a Single Market for Philanthropy by shaping the national, European and international legislative environment.
National associations and donors forums are critical components in the support infrastructure for philanthropy. The development of their individual and collective effectiveness can be enhanced through their membership and participation in our activities. We seek to lever synergy in respect of the knowledge, expertise and experience that lies within the network. We encourage deep and focused knowledge exchange on issues relevant to national associations and their members through bi- and multi-lateral exchange and benchmarking, peer-learning and knowledge transfer.
Foundations and donors operate in a dynamic and challenging environment with increasing public and political scrutiny, reducing public expenditure and the closing space for civil society. We inspire and raise public awareness about European philanthropy and its contribution to the social good by publishing news, opinions, conference reports and studies. We connect our members and provide access to the network of key stakeholders across Europe and beyond in the field of research, legal advice and public funding opportunities. We are committed to enhancing the level of knowledge and understanding of European philanthropy.
Philanthropy is on the rise across Europe. Independent from the state and free from the constraints of capital markets, philanthropic foundations address most pressing social issues and play an important role as drivers of innovation and change. However, little is known about the real volume of philanthropy and its societal impact in Europe. We seek to facilitate cross-border cooperation and to present data as credible intelligence and a robust evidence base for stakeholders and the wider public.
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