Beyond Grants: Leveraging Your Endowment 2026

Philea and Impact Europe, through the joint “Beyond Grants: A Holistic Approach to Philanthropy” initiative will host “Beyond Grants: Leveraging Your Endowment 2026” online on 25 March.

This session opens the 2026 gatherings cycle of the Beyond Grants Community of Practice and introduces the key questions shaping how foundations are using endowment capital more intentionally in service of mission. Building on insights and practices emerging across Europe and beyond, the discussion will focus on how foundations are approaching mission-related and impact investing as part of a broader philanthropic strategy.

Participants will reflect on how endowments can move from being seen primarily as a financial backbone to becoming a lever for impact, touching on considerations such as governance, risk appetite, internal alignment, and early practical steps. The session will also create space for peer exchange, allowing participants at different stages to share experiences and questions. The conversation will help surface common challenges, promising directions, and areas where further learning and collaboration could add value across the philanthropic sector.

Charting the future of philanthropy will require thinking beyond the usual and getting holistic. We can no longer ignore the need for philanthropy and business to move in concert, nor the fact that a foundation’s impact comes not only from its philanthropic partnerships but also from its investment approaches and decisions. Beyond Grants calls for in-depth discussion on strategic and operational levels about the future of philanthropy and its core instruments. 

Impact Europe and Philea bring unique skills, knowledge and reach towards the goal of demystifying impact investing for philanthropic organisations. By working together, we seek to establish clear pathways for experienced, new and potential practitioners. The workplan is built by its practitioner community, guided by its needs and supported by a dedicated Advisory Committee.