Bridging Today and Tomorrow: Futures Philanthropy Case Studies

Overview

We operate in an increasingly complex and fast-changing world. Every day, philanthropy leaders are facing infinite possibilities and, at the same time, the challenge of making strategic choices, often difficult ones. While uncertainty presents challenges, it also creates opportunities to rethink approaches, test new ideas, and build more adaptive and resilient ways of working.

This collection of real-life case studies offers practical insight into how funders and philanthropy networks are adapting their strategies, testing new funding models, embedding foresight and fostering cross-sector collaboration. While there are no simple solutions, these case studies highlight the concrete ways organisations are adapting, learning and preparing for the future – offering inspiration for funders, donors, philanthropy practitioners, researchers and advisors looking to integrate futures thinking into their work today.

The report builds upon the 2024 publication “Futures Philanthropy: Anticipation for the Common Good”, which identifies and formulates the need for futures thinking in the philanthropy field, and outlines key principles and frameworks that can be integrated into philanthropic practice. The new publication offers practical insight into how this work is being implemented on the ground, through real-life case studies from a diverse range of philanthropic organisations.

The publication positions these case studies as a source of inspiration for donors, funders, researchers, and advisors seeking to integrate futures thinking into their work.

Key takeaways

• Systems practice and long-term commitment: Organisations such as the Romanian-American Foundation and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation are making long-term investments in ecosystem change, focusing on structural solutions and reimagined economic models.
• Transformative decision-making: Initiatives like Leap Collective and Assifero’s Future Chair are challenging traditional power dynamics in philanthropy, ensuring that those most affected by funding decisions have a voice in shaping them.
• Adaptive strategies: In response to rapidly shifting contexts, funders such as the Laudes Foundation, the Mercator Foundation Switzerland, and the Robert Bosch Foundation are adopting flexible, responsive approaches that allow for ongoing learning and course correction.

Background

This report is a product of Philea’s Futures Philanthropy initiative that seeks to collectively create futures literacy, offering research and opportunities for collaboration and learning to bolster the relevance, legitimacy, and impact of European philanthropy.