Why philanthropy matters in shaping Europe’s next funding cycle

The next funding architecture is at the core of debates

Europe is entering a decisive phase for its future funding architecture. As discussions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034 accelerate, two recent moments of collective reflection, one in Brussels and one in Turin, have offered converging insights into what lies ahead for philanthropy, civil society and European programmes.

On 5 March, during the European Civil Society Week in Brussels, a session hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and co-organised by Philea explored with more than 100 participants the role of EU funding for civil society. Just a few days later, on 9 March, 300 foundations, institutions and civil society organisations gathered in Turin for “Crescere con i Progetti Europei”, organised by Fondazione CRT and Acri, to reflect on the implications of the upcoming European programming cycle for philanthropy, CSOs and local actors.

Different audiences and formats, but remarkably similar conclusions emerged. If Europe’s next funding cycle is to deliver on its ambitions, foundations must be engaged earlier, and more programmatically, in the design and implementation of European funds and programmes.

A changing funding landscape

The next MFF is expected to introduce a markedly different architecture. Fewer programmes, more consolidated budget lines, harmonised rules and a stronger performance‑based logic will shape both centrally managed funds and those implemented through the future National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs).

This shift brings opportunities and challenges for civil society and philanthropy. Larger and more flexible programmes tend to bundle multiple priorities and actors, intensifying competition and favouring more structured organisations. At the same time, discretionary space for EU and national managing authorities is likely to expand.

In this context, foundations are not simply another category of applicants. They are part of civil society, sharing its values and missions, while also acting as funders (and co-funders next to the EU). Across Europe, philanthropic organisations have an annual expenditure of around €76 billion each year for the common good, roughly 40% of the EU’s annual budget. This places philanthropy in a distinctive position: close to communities and CSOs, yet resourced and structured to engage strategically with institutions.

From project funding to more strategic dialogue and collaboration programme shaping

A key message emerging from the Turin discussions was the need for a shift in mindset: from competing for projects to shaping programmes.

The future NRPPs, in particular, will require territories to articulate coherent, measurable and ambitious portfolios of interventions, capable of being integrated into national planning frameworks. What will matter will no longer be individual projects, but high-quality, high-impact, credible and shared visions, ideas and action plans.

Here, foundations can play a crucial role: as facilitators, convenors and bridges between local authorities, civil society organisations, universities and the private sector. By fostering coordination, nurturing shared priorities and helping translate needs into structured programme proposals.

Some foundations are already experimenting with this approach. In the province of Cuneo, Fondazione CRC supports a long‑term strategic planning process that brings together institutional and societal actors around shared priorities aligned with national and European policies, offering one practical example of how a territorial co‑programming can be structured.

A European opportunity for more strategic dialogue and collaboration with philanthropy

These reflections resonate strongly with the debate held in Brussels. During the EESC Civil Society Week, participants highlighted the need for strong future EU funding for European civil society, alongside growing calls for financing that is more flexible, accessible and adaptable to a rapidly evolving context. Philea and partners have been calling for a strong support for civil society in different parts of the MFF.

In her closing remarks in Turin, Philea CEO Delphine Moralis noted that “the new MFF is not just a budget. It is a reorganisation of how Europe invests in its future.” She also cautioned against the risk that consolidation and competitiveness‑driven priorities could crowd out smaller, community‑based actors if not carefully managed and could de-prioritise key values around democracy, equality and climate and green transitions.

At the same time, alignment between European institutions and philanthropy has rarely been stronger. Shared values, overlapping objectives and complementary resources create fertile ground for partnerships that move beyond residual co‑funding towards co‑creation, co‑investment and co‑programming. This space is likely to expand as managing authorities at EU and national level gain greater flexibility under the new MFF.

This applies both to centrally managed programmes, such as AgoraEU, Erasmus+, Horizon Europe and the future European Competitiveness Fund, and to nationally implemented funding streams. In all cases, early engagement in programme design and in annual or multiannual Work Programmes will be key to ensuring that civic, social and environmental priorities are effectively reflected. Foundations and philanthropy should be considered as a key strategic partner for dialogue, co-shaping and collaborating around the next EU budget.

Philea’s role and what comes next

For Philea, these dynamics open a clear avenue for action calling for a more strategic dialogue and collaboration opportunities for the foundation sector. By connecting foundations across Europe, aggregating thematic expertise and facilitating dialogue with EU institutions, the association can help turn philanthropic experience into concrete contributions to European funding debates.

Philea’s Legal Affairs Committee and several Thematic Networks have already begun working in this direction. To ensure that the new MFF delivers meaningful support for civil society and for the causes philanthropy cares about, foundations will increasingly be called to bring concrete proposals into upcoming EU Work Programme cycles. The EU Civil Society Platform, announced as part of the EU Strategy for Civil Society, may offer an additional space for such programmatic dialogue.

Building on the momentum created in March, Philea’s Legal Affairs Committee will host a workshop on 7 May to explore practical entry points for philanthropy across the next MFF, bringing together members, partners and institutional representatives.

Looking ahead

The convergence between the Brussels and Turin discussions is telling. The message is not one of alarm, but of opportunity. The next programming cycle offers a window to rethink how European funds are conceived and deployed, in ways that value proximity to communities, long‑term perspective and innovation.

For philanthropy, the challenge is not simply to adapt to a new funding landscape, but to help shape it. By engaging early, collectively and programmatically, foundations can contribute to a European funding architecture that is not only more efficient and results‑oriented, but also more inclusive, grounded and responsive to the needs of people and places.