Common language, common challenges – German-speaking associations of foundations meet in Liechtenstein

What connects philanthropy in German-speaking countries and which challenges can be tackled together? These questions were discussed during the first meeting of the German-speaking associations of foundations, where the Liechtenstein Association of Charitable Foundations and Trusts (VLGST) invited presidents and leaders of philanthropic infrastructure organsations from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland for an exchange on current topics and challenges.

This shared mission unites the Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen (German Association of Foundations), proFonds, SwissFoundations, the Verband für gemeinnütziges Stiften (Austria), and the VLGST across national borders. During a the first meeting of the German-speaking associations of foundations, The Liechtenstein Association of Charitable Foundations and Trusts (VLGST) invited presidents and leaders of the philanthropic infrastructure organsations from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland for an exchange on current topics and challenges.

The gathering, guided by the theme “Voice of Philanthropy – Addressing a Variety of Challenges with a Common Language,” leaders from the Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen (German Association of Foundations), proFonds, SwissFoundations, the Verband für gemeinnütziges Stiften (Austria), and the VLGST discussed how the goals of their associations can be best achieved together. With a focus on their shared missions of creating the best possible philanthropy environment, promoting good funding practices and sharing knowledge, the meeting demonstrated that active advocacy, sector professionalisation, and awareness raising are key topics on the agenda for all.

In identifying areas with the greatest potential for impact, the event revealed mutual challenges such as tax and legal issues, lack of transparency in the sector, and heterogeneous membership structures, with a clear need to collaborate more in the areas of communication, advocacy, and professionalisation. As Dr. Thomas Zwiefelhofer, President of VLGST, put it, “by using a common language, a variety of challenges can be tackled, and the benefits of charitable foundations for society can be further highlighted.”

Liechtenstein was recently awarded by the Global Philanthropy Environment Index as the top location for charitable foundations and philanthropic engagement due to its favorable conditions and liberal foundation law. The two-day event included a visit to the SDG Tower, a 35-meter-high building which currently houses an exhibition on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provides a “perspective space” for numerous events related to a sustainable and responsible future.

The next meeting has already been scheduled for 2024.

The full blog, written by Karin Schöb of VLGST, is available here (in German)