Philea - Philanthropy Europe Association

New report! “Climate Change and Philanthropy Infrastructure: Supporting the Ecosystem to Act” is a new report by the European Philanthropy Coalition for Climate highlighting the role of philanthropy infrastructure organisations (PIOs) in strengthening the philanthropic sector’s efforts to address the climate crisis. By providing a snapshot of the actors supporting climate philanthropy, the EPCC aims to equip foundations and PIOs, whether they are just beginning their climate journeys or are ready to demonstrate leadership, with the tools and networks they need to act. Read the full report here! https://bit.ly/3E5q6OX

While not entirely unexpected, the recent announcement by the US government to proceed with a 90-day freeze of almost all foreign aid has caused a seismic shockwave in the sector, including among European philanthropic organisations. While the USAID shutdown decision is being challenged and is considered by some as unconstitutional, civil society organisations and foundations alike are considering what these developments mean for them, and how they can best support the communities they serve. Philea will host an online discussion on 11 February to explore how philanthropy can (continue to) support their grantees and safeguard democratic values in light of the aid freeze. All full members of Philea can register here! https://bit.ly/4gtT6xh

Recent reports from the European Parliament are questioning whether NGOs that engage in advocacy should receive EU funding The EU institutions, most notably the European Parliament, but also the European Commission and the European Court of Auditors, are discussing the different contexts surrounding EU funding for civil society organisations. There is concern that some EU actors question the legitimacy of NGOs that receive EU funding to engage in advocacy work and that some of the wording of recently issued statements and reports, stigmatise the NGO sector. Read the full story here! https://bit.ly/4jJX9bA

How can funders put youth agency at the heart of decision-making? The Children and Youth Network will dive into “How to Put Youth Agency at the Core of Funders’ Processes and Decision-Making” with Assifero and their Future Chair programme, online on 6 March. The fifth module of the “How to Involve Children and Youth in Your Work” series, this session will offer practical tips and insights on the challenges and opportunities within the process and examples of youth implication in the decision-making practices of Italian foundations. Register here! https://bit.ly/3WOr4Wf

The global impact of the climate crisis, increasingly marked by deadly heatwaves, droughts, floods, and other climate-related disasters, endangers all aspects of society, particularly vulnerable groups. This makes philanthropy’s role, not only in achieving climate neutrality, but also in supporting adaptation, resilience, and broader climate action, more and more important. “Climate Change and Philanthropy Infrastructure: Supporting the Ecosystem to Act” is a new report by the European Philanthropy Coalition for Climate highlighting the role of philanthropy infrastructure organisations (PIOs) in strengthening the philanthropic sector’s efforts to address the climate crisis. By providing a snapshot of the actors supporting climate philanthropy, the EPCC aims to equip foundations and PIOs, whether they are just beginning their climate journeys or are ready to demonstrate leadership, with the tools and networks they need to act. Read the full report here! https://bit.ly/3E5q6OX

How can philanthropy strengthen the health of our democracies? The Democracy Network's upcoming report “2025 Democracy Briefer for Funders” explores the subtle nature of democratic backsliding and its causes, providing a comprehensive understanding of a complex issue and highlighting not only the challenges but also the opportunities to strengthen and revitalise democratic governance. Join us for the launch event online on 12 February as we go through the report, explore the key drivers behind democratic backsliding and what philanthropy can do to strengthen the health of our democracies. https://bit.ly/3CjcXkE

For too long, we have thought in a linear way – identifying needs or problems, designing projects to address those needs, and applying measurable solutions. But the complexity of the challenges we must tackle is not linear, which is why only networked thinking, focusing on relationships and collective intelligence, can respond to the complexity of addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. Fortunately, more and more foundations are already working with this approach. Xose Ramil Ferreiro, Asociación Española de Fundaciones explores the reasons why many organisations see the climate commitments of Philanthropy for Climate as an opportunity to innovate and change the way we approach the climate crisis, in a recent Opinion. Read it here! https://bit.ly/3WuJzio

At the beginning of 2025, Poland took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the upcoming six months. With a shifting political landscape and renewed focus on democratic values, Poland’s leadership of the Council of the EU presents an opportunity to influence key European policies, including those impacting civil society and philanthropy. We cover what the next 6 months might mean for philanthropy here! https://bit.ly/4aQEWFm

Explore how to integrate gender into your foundation agenda! Registrations are open for the fourth module of our Gender Equality Diversity and Inclusion Network peer-learning programme "Empowering Foundations for Gender Equality" on 11 February. The session will provide participants with key insights for a smooth transition to implementing a gender mainstreaming strategy for their organisation. https://bit.ly/3AxGgiL

Participants attending a capacity building workshop of the NGO Academy in Belgrade, run by the ERSTE Foundation and WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business), were interrogated by the Serbian authorities and then banned from Serbia as a “security risk” on 21 January. Philea is deeply concerned about these developments and joins other civil society organisations in condemning the incident and urging the Serbian authorities to provide a transparent explanation for these actions. Read the full story here https://bit.ly/4hAEKfu