More than 41 million young Europeans will be allowed to vote for the first time in the upcoming European Elections between 6-9 June, with two million under-18 year olds in Germany alone. While we all wonder what they will vote for, it is equally important to ask: will they vote at all? Read More
The EU and national governments often struggle to implement significant reforms. So what are the opportunities for philanthropy? Read More
On 9 May 1950, Robert Schuman published the Schuman Declaration, which was to change Europe’s destiny. It stated that “World peace cannot be safeguarded without the making of creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it.” 74 years later, I ask myself whether our creative efforts are still proportionate… Read More
Rebuilding trust and re-engaging citizens requires a fundamental shift – a renewal of the social contract that places citizens’ hopes, fears, and ideas at the heart of shaping a Europe that works for all. Read More
From country-wide endeavours to grassroots efforts, community foundations exemplify a holistic approach to addressing climate change. Read More
When it comes to guaranteeing equal rights and opportunities to all members of society, there is a lot of work to be done, and even more so when we talk about the most vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities. The philanthropy sector can and should use its resources, including its networks, experience and knowledge to support this equality. Read More
In January 2024, I read Philea’s blog: Why funders engage with unrestricted funding and cost recovery (and why they don’t). Its content mirrored much of what we hear at the Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR) on the argument for unrestricted funding. The message about the benefits of unrestricted… Read More
Even in an era defined by myriad global challenges and conflicts, the war in Ukraine stands out as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle between democratic principles and authoritarian might. The response of the global philanthropic sector reveals an urgent need for a more sustained and adaptable approach. Read More
Enabling philanthropy for the future means at least two things: building courageously on philanthropy’s strengths vis-á-vis other societal forces, and putting it to an honest test against the best possible version of itself. Read More
In a world where the pillars of democracy face unprecedented challenges, the relationship between philanthropy and journalism is mutually beneficial. While independent media grapples with daunting challenges and crises, the decision to fund journalism emerges not merely as an act of altruism but as an indispensable strategic imperative, wielding profound… Read More