A sector of apples and oranges… and the odd banana The philanthropic sector has been growing at a rapid pace right across Europe for at least two decades. Not only have the types of foundation increased – corporate, banking, royal or private wealth – but the mechanisms by which… Read More
This year we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the EFC. There is indeed much to celebrate: The EFC is the cornerstone founding institution of philanthropy and social investment infrastructure in Europe, and the leading connector of foundation leaders across Europe and beyond, to Africa and China. The EFC has helped… Read More
So, just young enough to still be able to count the candles on the cake, but old enough to be slightly embarrassed about the “surprise party” planned. Happy birthday, bon anniversaire, lá breithe shona duit EFC! Birthdays are great times for recollection, with even the slightly tipsy grand aunt in… Read More
It is 2019 and Europe is under attack. It would not be an exaggeration to describe these attacks as the Battle of Europe. The attacks are coming from inside and out. From the inside, they are coming from those who want to re-nationalise Europe, seal it off, and turn it… Read More
We are immersed in a society that has changed radically in the last 30 years. Digitalisation, sociodemographic changes, migration, the role of women in society, new technologies, access to information, management of knowledge, new communication models, social networks, new economic models… are just some of the challenges we face today… Read More
The most striking change during the last three decades has been the growth of the sector. It is indeed a golden age for philanthropy. We see an increasing number of foundations in many countries, growing endowments and a rise of new forms of philanthropy. That adds to the pluralism and… Read More
In the first decade of this century many European foundations, among them the Italians, saw social innovation as the added value they could provide to their communities. The process included a well-structured planning stage, small-scale trials, a rigorous evaluation of results, and, finally, proposals to offer experimental solutions to the… Read More
1989 – What a time to be alive! The Berlin Wall came down. The Cold War was pronounced over. It felt as if we had entered a bright new future, in which Europe was no longer divided. Followed in 1990 by the beginning of the end of apartheid in South… Read More
As we contemplate the future of effective philanthropic work, one of the main obstacles that the sector must navigate is, paradoxically, the good feeling that the work of helping others can create. In addressing serious challenges at home and abroad, we need to look beyond what feels comfortable based on… Read More
Amazing to realise that this year it is 30 years ago that, following the fall of the Berlin Wall, the EFC was created. I have participated 29 times in the EFC’s annual conference. Not 30 times, because when I started as Executive Director of the Bernard van Leer Foundation (BVLF)… Read More