1,720,965 research outputs found
Philanthropic Taxonomies: The Swiss Case : Practical Insights
Full text linkWhile there are a variety of different taxonomies used for classifying philanthropic activities in Europe carried out by specific organisations or in specific countries, we believe that there are still significant gaps in understanding the broader philanthropic landscape. Through practical insights, this paper explores the diverse uses and benefits of taxonomies, and highlights how taxonomies contribute to better research, informed decision-making, enhanced collaboration and improved coordination, accountability, and transparency within the philanthropic sector. These insights build on the webinar "Common Taxonomies in European Philanthropy", held on 28 March 2023 as part of the Data on Philanthropy – By us, for us webinar series organised by Philea and ERNOP. To help make all of this concrete, this paper features a brief case study on the successful implementation of a philanthropy taxonomy by SwissFoundations. This case study showcases the key factors that led to its success and presents major findings that have emerged from its use and adoption
Building Resilience in Times of Crisis : Part 2: Selecting the right OD consultants, building effective partnerships
Full text linkThe recent freeze on USAID funding, initiated by the Trump administration in early 2025, has had widespread and destabilising effects on the global non-profit and humanitarian sector. The abrupt suspension disrupted essential services such as healthcare, food assistance and support for displaced populations, particularly in vulnerable and conflict-affected regions. Non-profit organisations reliant on USAID have faced severe operational setbacks, including staff layoffs, programme suspensions and loss of critical resources.Beyond immediate disruptions, the freeze has had broader geopolitical consequences, such as rising anti-aid sentiment, shrinking humanitarian access, and increased misinformation targeting civil society groups. While there are signs that some emergency food assistance programmes may be reinstated, the overall landscape remains uncertain as the administration seeks to align aid efforts with more nationalistic policies.These events have highlighted how unprepared we are when a crisis strikes. Partners suddenly lose resources they depend on, and the issues they address are quickly labelled as controversial, placing them at risk of backlash. Addressing these challenges requires not only immediate financial relief but also specialised skills and strong support infrastructures that go beyond traditional project funding. This is where Organisational Development (OD) and flexible funding become essential, helping grantees build resilience and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances.Recognising this need, the Philea Organisational Development Community of Practice has launched a series of informal gatherings on "Building Resilience in Times of Crisis" where philanthropy practitioners can discuss challenges, share approaches and explore adaptable support strategies. This learning series is not only a space to exchange immediate responses but also to think critically about how to reshape funding and support structures in ways that centre local leadership, foster long-term sustainability and challenge existing power imbalances in the philanthropic ecosystem. This information note captures the learnings from the second of three sessions in this series:* Part 1: Supporting partners' response and adaptation in funding crises* Part 2: Building Effective Partnerships* Part 3: Bridging Efforts Across the Atlantic.See first part of series here: https://philea.issuelab.org/resource/building-resilience-in-times-of-crisis-part-1-supporting-partners-response-and-adaptation-in-funding-crises.htm
Data Dive into the Cost-of-Living
Full text linkJust as Europe is moving from emergency mode to recovery from the devastating effects of Covid-19, the continent is now preparing for a new era of discontent brought on by a growing cost-of-living crisis. Inflationary pressure is becoming more persistent and broad-based. Funders are now turning their attention to how to collectively mitigate the impact being felt by communities as well as their employees and grantee partners.Philea provides this data dive into available research and statistics alongside insights from philanthropic actors to inform its members about the scale and disparities of the problem as well as practical steps being taken by funders and their long-term considerations.
Building Resilience in Times of Crisis : Part 1: Supporting partnersâ response and adaptation in funding crises
Full text linkRecent events and the USAID funding freeze have highlighted how unprepared we are when a crisis strikes. Partners suddenly lose resources they depend on, and the issues they address are quickly labelled as controversial, placing them at risk of backlash. This situation raises critical questions:* How do we support grantees who rely on these funds? * What type of support is more effective in situations when philanthropy cannot fully fill the funding gap? * How can we protect grantees and our organisations while staying true to our values, mission and goals?There is no one-size-fits-all answer; as contexts change rapidly, our strategies and tools must adapt in real time. Addressing these challenges requires not only immediate financial relief but also specialised skills and strong support infrastructures that go beyond traditional project funding. This is where Organisational Development (OD) and flexible funding become essential, helping grantees build resilience and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. Recognising this need, the Philea Organisational Development Community of Practice has launched a series of informal gatherings on "Building Resilience in Times of Crisis" where philanthropy practitioners can discuss challenges, share approaches and explore adaptable support strategies. This learning series is not only a space to exchange immediate responses but also to think critically about how to reshape funding and support structures in ways that centre local leadership, foster long-term sustainability and challenge existing power imbalances in the philanthropic ecosystem.This information note captures the learnings from the first of three sessions in this series:* Part 1: Supporting partners' response and adaptation in funding crises* Part 2: Building Effective Partnerships* Part 3: Bridging Efforts Across the Atlanti
Assessing Research for Philanthropic Funding : Innovative Approaches
Full text linkThis publication on responsible research assessment aims to explore diverse approaches taken by foundations to enhance the fairness, transparency and effectiveness of evaluating research proposals for funding. The publication delves into three distinct methodologies that challenge traditional assessment methods and offer innovative alternatives: 1. Using artificial intelligence (AI); 2. Adopting narrative curriculum vitae (CVs); and 3. Implementing randomised selection. It provides an overview of general principles of responsible research assessment, key framing documents and recommendations for implementing these principles; and offers examples of the real-world application of these methods by various foundations and organisations.While these approaches demonstrate the innovative potential within research assessment, they are by no means an exhaustive representation of all available tools and methods. Nevertheless, they serve as compelling illustrations of the ongoing efforts to revolutionise evaluation practices and foster a more inclusive and equitable research ecosystem
Philanthropy and Equality : A framework for sharing power and addressing inequalities
Full text linkAcross the Philea network, many philanthropic organisations are already engaging with issues of equality, power, justice and inclusion in thoughtful and meaningful ways. This framework builds on those efforts, offering a shared space for reflection, alignment and collective progress.Rather than presenting a single, definitive or prescriptive stance, the framework provides a broad and flexible lens on the relationship between philanthropy and equality. It highlights how inequality is deeply connected to power structures, climate justice, democratic practice, and how it is deeply entangled with philanthropy's history, funding models, operating practices and legitimacy. Though the framework focuses on equality, some elements within it centre the concept of equity.The framework invites philanthropic organisations at different stages of this journey to explore four key areas of practice: internal practices, relational approaches, redistribution of capital, and systems thinking
A Brief Glossary of Philanthropy Terms
Full text linkThis glossary is designed to assist participants during our intercontinental exchange by providing clarifications on various terms commonly used in the philanthropy in Europe. The definitions and explanations provided here are intended solely for the purpose of enhancing communication and understanding among participants from diverse backgrounds. The glossary does not claim to establish universal definitions nor does it represent an exhaustive list of all possible terms related to philanthropy. The interpretations and applications of these terms can vary significantly in different cultural, legal, and organisational contexts
Future-proofing foundations for a post-Covid-19 world
Full text linkThis paper sheds a light on developments and changing practices in institutional philanthropy in Europe since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and offers insights for making responsible philanthropy the new normal. Leveraging data from a document review as well as various surveys and interviews conducted with the membership of the former European Foundation Centre (now Philea, a convergence of Dafne - Donors and Foundations Networks in Europe - and the EFC), the present analysis delves into what foundations have learned from this period. Organisations may survive in their current state, but they will lose legitimacy and perceived value if they do not adapt. The paper first looks at the challenges perceived by philanthropy professionals and how they respond to these threats, including criticism of philanthropy, and then takes stock of actions that have helped foundations to bounce back from massive disruption. Finally, the paper offers a set of recommendations to reveal opportunities for change and prepare for what's next.
Communicating in a Polarised Environment : Insights and practical strategies for philanthropy communications professionals
Full text linkThis practical guide equips philanthropy communicators to navigate division, misinformation and declining trust. It offers strategies to reframe messages, engage diverse audiences and foster dialogue across ideological divides. It invites communicators to critically reflect on how their own practices may contribute to polarisation and how to shift towards empathy, clarity and bridge-building.For communications teams working in complex, polarised contexts, this guide provides practical tools, reframing strategies, values-based segmentation and futures-thinking, to navigate with clarity, empathy and confidence. It encourages moving beyond persuasion toward restoration and co-creation, enabling more inclusive and emotionally intelligent engagement.Drawing on themes like truth decay, affective polarisation and values in transition, it showcases innovative practice for communicating in complex socio-political environments. It fosters shared practices and narratives that help the sector connect across divides. Through team exercises, crisis scenario planning and ethical reflection, it supports foundation capacities to respond to reputational risks, misinformation and cultural shifts, so the sector remains adaptive, principled and united.The report is a product of the Communications in Philanthropy Community of Practice, and was created to support communications professionals with the practical tools needed to shift from persuasion to restoration and co-creation
The Fabric of Giving 2025 : Public-Benefit Foundation Data in Europe
Full text linkThis briefing presents the best estimate of the institutional philanthropy landscape in Europe by offering a bigger picture analysis of the philanthropic sectors in 34 European countries. It includes data by country, including total figures for Europe on the number of public-benefit foundations (PBFs) as well as their assets and annual expenditure. The aim of this study is to present a snapshot of the state of play of European public-benefit foundations as clearly as possible
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