25 June 2025  -  27 June 2025
Brussels, Belgium

Operations Professionals Network – Navigating the Shrinking Space for Philanthropy

The Operations Professionals Network will come together to explore “Navigating the Shrinking Space for Philanthropy” in Brussels on 25-27 June.

This two-day conference will examine how philanthropic organisations can effectively respond to closing civic space through systematic approaches such as threat monitoring, early-warning indicators, preparedness strategies and collaborative action to build a more resilient civil society ecosystem.

The working groups will focus on cross-functional strategic planning across a number of critical areas. They will explore digital security, looking at protecting communications and infrastructure by securing sensitive information and supporting grantees against surveillance. Legal preparedness will involve anticipating regulatory challenges, helping organisations navigate political and legal threats while supporting at-risk grantees. Financial resilience will address the need for operational continuity by maintaining strong funding mechanisms despite potential disruptions. In the area of Human Resources protection, the groups will look at safeguarding staff and leadership from digital, physical and operational risks. Adaptive grantmaking will focus on building flexibility and support into funding relationships to better assist partners under pressure. Finally, organisational readiness will emphasise balancing risk management with mission effectiveness to ensure that philanthropic infrastructure remains resilient and impactful in increasingly complex environments.

Contact

Anthony Pepe
Programme Manager
anthony.pepe@philea.eu