European Day of Foundations and Donors

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.

2024 theme: Building Trust, Connecting Communities

In an era marked by the erosion of public trust in established institutions and growing demands for democracy, equality, climate action, and social justice, the role of philanthropy in cultivating trust and connecting communities has never been more critical.

Trust is the fertile soil in which the seeds of transformative action are planted and nurtured. For philanthropy to be effective, it must not only build trust with communities but also earn people’s trust in its actions and demonstrate trust in its grantees to create meaningful and lasting impact.

Every year, #October1Europe provides our sector with an opportunity to highlight the impactful work that it does, the communities it empowers and the innovation it strives for. It is a day to recognise the profound impact of our shared commitment and to inspire continued collaboration for a brighter future.

How to participate

Hold an event

Philanthropic organisations across Europe hold events on or around 1 October. Philea maintains a running list of all these activities from across Europe and spreads the word online and on the dedicated hub on our website. Let us know if you are planning something!

Engage in the online campaign

All you have to do is share your ideas, events, projects or thoughts on your work or the value of philanthropy using the #October1Europe. We’ve made it easy by creating a toolkit with an email signature, social media posts, logos and more for you to use as is, or adapt with your own content.

Activities taking place across Europe

Belgium – Belgian Federation of Philanthropic Foundations

The Belgian Federation of Philanthropic Foundations celebrates its 20th anniversary with the announcement of the development of a new strategy highlighting two clear priorities for 2025 and 2028: strengthening foundations and becoming a representative voice to help them maximize their societal impact.

Croatia – The National Foundation for Civil Society Development

The National Foundation for Civil Society Development is holding the Croatian Philanthropy Week under the title “Philanthropy in the community”, which encourages the engagement of change-makers in the local community,

France – Centre français des Fonds et Fondations

The French Foundations Center (CFF) will organise “Démocratie en crise: Les fondations peuvent-elles répondre au défi?” on 9 October to mark the European Day of Foundations and Donors.

Italy – Acri and Assifero

Acri and Assifero will launch a communications campaign on the issue of social and inclusive sport, with over 140 sports related projects involved.  Foundations in Italy work with their local associations to make sport accessible to all and the campaign “#unaltrapartita, Comunità in campo” involves people with disabilities, detained people, people struggling with poverty or those lacking access to good support structures.

Norway – Norwegian Association of Foundations

Together with BI Norwegian Business School, a partner/foundation, Stiftelsesforeningen is hosting an event on 17 October where many foundations will have the opportunity to present what they are currently working towards.

Serbia – Serbian Philanthropy Forum

The National Giving Day, celebrated annually on 9 October, honours Mihajlo Pupin by promoting philanthropy. This year, two youth-focused events will take place, including a business-civil sector meeting organised with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and the first Philanthropy Festival in Belgrade, where 25 youth organisations will showcase their work. Traditional awards will also be given to the greatest philanthropists among companies, organisations, media and individuals.

Spain – Asociación Española de Fundaciones

Demos 2024 will take place on 30 September – 1 October in Valencia under the motto “Philanthropy for the Future”. The event will explore how the future of philanthropy belongs to young people, to the generations born in the new century, the digital and hyperconnected natives.

Switzerland – SwissFoundations

In order to foster relations between foundations and the public authorities in Zurich, Standortförderung Zürich and SwissFoundations organise foundation meetings in the Canton of Zurich. “2. Stiftungsgespräch Kanton Zürich” aims to build and maintain bridges between donors and stakeholders and to create opportunities for cooperation between donor foundations and public institutions.

Philea and Impact Europe

On the occasion of the European Day of Foundations and Donors we will host a conversation on how policymakers can further stimulate impact investing activities of philanthropic organisations.