European Day of Foundations and Donors
The annual European Day of Foundations and Donors raises awareness about the role and value of the European philanthropic sector.
Held on 1 October, the annual European Day of Foundations and Donors showcases the role of the European philanthropy sector and aims to raise public awareness about the value of philanthropy. Public-benefit foundations, charities, trusts, communities, infrastructure bodies, donors, philanthropists and volunteers – we are all working in our own ways to build a better, more sustainable and fairer world that everyone can thrive in.
2025 Theme: Towards equality as a lived reality
Across Europe today, inequality is a central, structural and deeply embedded issue that cuts across income, geography and age, as well as gender, race and other identities. Inequality has far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond individual hardship: It affects the health, stability and resilience of entire societies.
The good news is that evidence shows how addressing inequalities leads to stronger economies and healthier societies – which benefits us all.
This 1 October, on the occasion of the European Day of Donors and Foundations, let’s inspire collective imagination to envision the kind of future we want, one that works for people and planet. Let’s showcase how philanthropy can fulfil its promise by being impatient optimists, boldly imagining and pursing innovative, hope-based activities. Let’s share new ways of thinking and acting to create a future where equality is a lived reality.
Equality is where we begin. Justice is where we’re headed.
How to get involved & what resources are available:
- Hold an online or in-person event – and let us know ahead of time so we can include it on this page.
- Engage in the social media campaign: Share your content using the #October1Europe hashtag, amplify the posts you see online
- Explore and circulate the Equality Framework, consider translating it and sharing it locally
- Share a relevant case study from your context – we’re creating a repository on equality practices and we’d love to include it.
Activities taking place across Europe
Belgium
To mark the day, the Belgian Federation of Philanthropic Foundations will launch the Compass for Philanthropic Foundations on 23 October, a new tool designed to strengthen philanthropy in Belgium and support foundations in their strategy, accountability, governance, and collaboration.
Croatia
Croatian Philanthropy Week will take place from 24 September to 1 October 1 with a number of different activities across the country, including “Heartprint”, an award ceremony in Zadar for child-led initiatives that promoted solidarity, community well-being and sustainable development.
France
The Centre Français des Fonds et Fondations (French Foundations Center) will organise two events within the sphere of the the European Day of Foundations: one on the role of foundations in contributing to gender equality and one on foundations’ contribution to equal opportunity.
Denmark
Danish Industry will host an event on 1 October to explore current trends in the foundation sector, networking, and open debate to mark the Day of Foundations and Donors 2025.
Finland
Kone Foundation are hosting the event “Is Democracy Eroding – What Does the Future of Democracy Look Like?” in Helsinki on 1 October.
Italy
Italy will see events all over the country to mark 1 October:
- Fondazione Invernizzi will mark the European Day of Foundations for the first time by exceptionally opening the gates of the Palazzo Invernizzi to the public for day of discovery and sharing.
- Acri and Assifero will launch a campaign on 22 September, “Germogliazioni. Giovani, primavera di comunità”, shining a light on youth and their involvement in the life of foundations and the decision-making processes.
Germany
In Germany a number of events are taking place across the country to mark the day. The Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen will host “Together for democracy” in Berlin on 1 October to explore what can and should civil society organisations and foundations do to support democracy today.
Norway
The Association of Norwegian Foundations will mark the day on 23 October, with a two-part seminar in Oslo around the theme “Stability in a troubled world”. There will also be regional seminars in Stavanger, Kristiansand and Trondheim in October and November.
Spain
The Asociación Española de Fundaciones will host DEMOS 2025 “Frontiers of Philanthropy” in Sevilla, on September 30 and October 1, inviting reflections on the new challenges of philanthropy in a geopolitical, military, and commercial context filled with uncertainties and risks that Europe will have to face in the coming years.
Switzerland
The “Association for Foundations in the Canton of Zurich” will host the 1st Zurich Foundation Forum under the theme of “Collaboration Creates Impact”. The forum offers an exchange and networking platform for charitable foundations with cantonal and local authorities in the Canton of Zurich. Together, we are creating a future for the Canton of Zurich.
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