28 May 2018

A single voice for a single market for philanthropy in Europe

A single voice for a single market for philanthropy

On Monday, 28 May over 150 key representatives from politics, philanthropy and civil society came together in Brussels to discuss ways to increase cooperation in the sector and to strengthen European civil society. Co-organised by leading European philanthropy organisations (DAFNE, EFC, EVPA), participants at the “Co-creating a Single Market for Philanthropy” event discussed concrete measures to reduce barriers to cross-border 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”, states Felix Oldenburg, Chairman of the DAFNE network.

Commission announces enhanced cooperation

Kerstin Jorna, Deputy Director General DG ECFIN, European Commission, announced at the conference that within the framework of the new InvestEU programme the Commission wants to strengthen the involvement of foundations in shaping Europe’s future, mobilise private capital and secure investments within the framework of guarantees. “This announcement by the Commission is a landmark step,” said Madeleine Clarke, EVPA Chair. “For the first time, the programme would allow European foundations to use their assets on a secure basis for joint European projects and goals. We look forward to working with the Commission on this strategic alliance.”

Philanthropic organisations take the next step in cooperation

By working together with common competencies and resources DAFNE, EFC and EVPA are striving to enhance the environment for European philanthropy to flourish. “Together we can speak with one voice on behalf of our sector and can achieve more for the European foundation landscape and civil society,” said Massimo Lapucci, EFC Chair. “This meeting marks an important development in our joint work with policymakers and paves the way for institutional philanthropy to have the right conditions to be more impactful.”

 

Further Resources:

– Study “Enlarging the space for European philanthropy”

https://philea.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Enlarging-the-Space-for-European-Philanthropy-joint-EFC-DAFNE-study_2018.pdf

– Flyer “Philanthropy’s 4 key asks”

https://dafne-online.eu/resource/4-key-asks-for-a-single-market-for-philanthropy/

– Press Release “Call for a single market for philanthropy”

http://www.efc.be/news/efc-and-dafne-members-call-for-a-single-market-for-philanthropy/

 

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Donors and Foundations Networks in Europe (DAFNE)

DAFNE is Europe’s largest network of donors and foundations associations. With 26 member associations with a collective membership of more than 10,000 foundations and grant-makers, DAFNE is a leading voice of European foundations. It underpins individual activities of its members by encouraging dialogue and collaboration between the national associations. DAFNE is currently chaired by Felix Oldenburg, General Secretary of the Association of German Foundations.

 

The European Foundation Centre (EFC)

The European Foundation Centre (EFC) is the platform of institutional philanthropy with a focus on Europe, but also with an eye to the global philanthropic landscape. It is a network of foundations and philanthropic institutions committed to the development and promotion of institutional philanthropy in Europe and globally. With the aim of being the voice of institutional philanthropy in Europe, the EFC promotes and communicates the value of institutional philanthropy to society thus contributing to an environment in which philanthropy can flourish. It serves as a hub of sector exchange and intelligence, to help its members increase the impact of their added value in society.

 

European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA)

The European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA) is a lively network of organisations sharing the same vision and a common goal: creating positive social impact through venture philanthropy and social investment (VP/SI). Its mission is to enable VP/SI organisations to maximise social impact through increased resources, collaboration and expertise. Currently, EVPA has over 250 members, mainly based in Europe, showing the sector is rapidly evolving across borders. Its membership covers a full range of venture philanthropy and social investment activities including venture philanthropy funds, social investors, grant-making foundations, impact investing funds, private equity firms, professional service firms, philanthropy advisers, banks and business schools.