Uncivil War in Uncertain Times

In 2016, many Americans watched the US presidential campaign with dismay, wondering what had become of our democracy.  Little did we know at the time, that the erosion of trust in democratic institutions, and the institutions themselves, would accelerate at a blinding pace under the administration of President Donald Trump. … Read More

My year at The National Lottery Community Fund

This time last year I left my Clarion family to embark on the most exciting chapter of my career as Head of Youth Voice at The National Lottery Community Fund. I was so excited to be taking on a role where I could not only embed a culture change for… Read More

Data in philanthropic foundations: beyond data science

In 2019, the Compagnia di San Paolo foundation transformed its organization to reflect the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals framework. These radical changes were supported by a detailed analysis of more than five thousand projects supported by the foundation over the previous four years. Matching project description with keywords… Read More

Supporting communities on the frontlines of conflict

“The official advice is that it is too dangerous,”  Marina says.  She hands me the phone, and I say, “But I have promised to go.” We haggle and eventually reach a compromise.  I can go, but mustn’t talk to anyone on the way. I must meet my contact in the… Read More

That we are living through difficult times is clear for all to see

We are facing the most serious socio-economic and health crisis of recent times, as the UN has pointed out in its report “Shared responsibility, global solidarity: Responding to the socio-economics impacts of COVID-19“. The scenario of uncertainty raised by this pandemic looms over the 2030 Agenda… Read More

Adapting in uncertain times

This blog was originally published on the MAVA Foundation website on 11 June. Across the world, life as we know it was turned on its head these past few months. Unforeseen and previously unimaginable changes were required of us and by and large, we… Read More

Exploring the scope of European media philanthropy

How do European foundations engage with journalism? This question cannot be answered as straightforwardly as it might seem. With the exception of a handful of high-profile journalism funders, many European foundations do not consider media as their core mission, yet may think of it as a complementary or side activity. Read More

Everyone deserves a fair slice

This article was also published by Van Gendt Philanthropy Services and by the Dutch Digital Platform on Philanthropy and Social Investments ‘De Dikke Blauwe’ Just imagine a wealthy private equity investor with a broad portfolio of investments ranging from IT… Read More