European Research Network On Philanthropy

🌟 Final call for European PhD Candidates in Philanthropy Research! 🌟 Are you looking for a space to exchange ideas, receive feedback, and deepen your research? The ERNOP PhD Circle offers a platform to connect with fellow researchers from across Europe! 🌍 Deadline for submitting your application is November 15! 📢 Hear it from our PhD candidates: Tayyeb Hadi, PhD candidate at KU Leuven, says: "Participating in the ERNOP PhD Circle was a great opportunity for me to learn more about my own research topic. From pitching my own research ideas and receiving feedback to listening to colleagues and giving feedback, the PhD Circle made me think outside of the box." Sara Andrade, PhD candidate at the University of Geneva, shares: "The PhD circle offered a valuable platform for building connections with fellow PhD candidates. It was inspiring to hear about the diverse research projects and approaches within the group." Whether you're just starting your PhD journey or are well on your way, the ERNOP PhD Circle is the place to be for collaborative learning and growth. 🤝 👉 Interested in joining or learning more? Read the call for applications and apply by November 15! #Philanthropy #PhD #Community #Learn #Network #ERNOP #PhDlife #Collaboration

🔍 What roles for philanthropy in democratic processes, and how is this related to social cohesion? In the context of the upcoming federal elections in Germany next year, we are grateful to have our local hosting committee draft one of our plenary sessions at the ERNOP Conference 2025. With Georg Mildenberger from the CSI - Centre for Social Investment at the Heidelberg University, Friederike v. Bünau from Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen, and Michael Seberich from Wider Sense GmbH, we are assured that conference participants will be fed with German food for thought! 🇩🇪✨ Join us at the ERNOP Conference in Heidelberg on September 25-26, 2025, for an enriching discussion on philanthropy's impact and its role in democracy and social cohesion. #ERNOP2025 #Philanthropy #Democracy #SocialCohesion #Conference #Foundations #Germany

🚨 Research note of the WEEK! 🚨 Are foundation investment funds a solution for sustainable investing at grant-making foundations? 📄 Grant-making foundations use the financial returns on their investments to pursue their charitable purposes. Foundations are usually conservative in their investment strategies and separate their investments strategy (focus on financial returns) from their spending and mission (focus on purpose). Simultaneously, investments funds are offering Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) opportunities increasing the potential of foundations to generate a social benefit also through their investments. In this article, the authors explore the characteristics of the market for foundation investment funds in Germany and whether these funds are useful for foundations pursuing an SRI strategy.    ✒ Author(s): Dr. Berenike Wiener – Leuphana Universität Lüneburg | Georg von Schnurbein – Universität Basel    📝 The Research note is written by Ana Pimenta from Blink C.V.   🔔 More research notes! These and more research notes are published on our website: https://lnkd.in/e5uuPydM     💡 Do you want to become a practitioner expert? For more information and to sign up: https://lnkd.in/gE8J5Dck     👉 Follow us on LinkedIn to get regular insights from research on philanthropy in Europe.    #foundations #investments #SRI #sustainability 

🚀 Call for ERNOP PhD Circle 2025 🚀 Are you a PhD student in the field of philanthropy or related disciplines? The ERNOP PhD Circle offers a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and learn from fellow researchers across Europe. The call for the 2025 edition is open until November 15 and we invite you to join our community! 🎓🌍 Here’s what past participants had to say: 🔹 "The ERNOP PhD circle community is wonderfully open and supportive. It was a fantastic experience to participate in this year, and it significantly helped me to move my thinking forward—not only around my own research, but I also learned a lot from others as they shared their work throughout the year. Many thanks to Michaela and the team at ERNOP for getting this fantastic initiative underway!" – Deirdre Treacy, Technological University Dublin 🔹 "The PhD circle provided me with a great opportunity to connect with other PhD students in the broader field and learn about each other's research." – Wim Maas, Tilburg University The ERNOP PhD Circle is a welcoming and enaging platform for academic growth, offering a supportive environment for exchanging ideas and advancing your research. Don't miss this chance to be a part of the 2025 cohort and take your research and network to the next level! 🌱💡 📢 Apply now and join a community that will inspire, challenge, and support you throughout your PhD journey. #PhD #Philanthropy #Research #Support #Networking #Fundraising #Foundations #Charities #Impact #Volunteering #NGOs

✨ Introducing our new ERNOP Format 'Member in the Spotlight' ✨    We're excited to start this new series showcasing the incredible work of our members. Each spotlight will feature a member, highlighting their current projects, thoughts on philanthropy and a few fun facts!   🔦 For our very first Member in the Spotlight, we’re happy to introduce Pia Tornikoski - Secretary General of the Finish Fundraising Association (Vastuullinen Lahjoittaminen ry).     💬 What drives your passion for working in philanthropy?  “As Secretary General of a Fundraising Association, I advocate for a better culture of giving and asking in Finland. My background in marketing, communication, and fundraising gives me tools and insights to discuss with politicians and regulators about the practical challenges the non-profit sector faces. I have also written a fundraising guidebook: ‘Millions (or) Cupcakes’ (in Finnish), based on my experiences and the most recent studies on giving and fundraising.”   📚 Why do you think (academic) research on philanthropy is important?  “To understand all forms of generosity and giving, it is essential to study philanthropy at an academic level. With long-term and broad academic research, complemented by various marketing surveys, the fundraising sector can develop in a better and more effective direction.”    🌍 What’s a recent highlight in your work? How have you collaborated with European colleagues?  “As a social person, I try to connect and network as much as I can. I currently serve on the boards of the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL) and European Fundraising Association (EFA) which position I was privileged to start in September. Being a member of the ERNOP network provides an opportunity to learn and gain useful information for my various roles.”    🧩 What are the biggest challenges facing philanthropy today, and how can the collaboration of research and practice help to address them?  “In Europe, the biggest discussion and challenge is around EU-related issues. After the spring elections, the civil society and philanthropy sectors are exploring ways to influence EU strategies and future regulations on matters ranging from democracy and justice to the social economy and taxation. High-quality research provides an important asset for advocacy work.”    🎯 What’s one unexpected hobby or habit you have?  “Many of my colleagues know me as quite an active person. They might be surprised to learn that I can spend an entire day in my pyjamas in front of the TV.”    Stay tuned for more stories from our members!   #MemberInTheSpotlight #Philanthropy #NonProfit #Fundraising #ERNOP

🌟 Who will become our academic keynote speaker at the ERNOP Conference 2025? 🌟 In the last three editions of the ERNOP Conference, we’ve had the pleasure of hearing from some of the brightest minds in philanthropy research: 🔹 Rob Reich (2019) – Delivered a groundbreaking keynote on how philanthropy can challenge justice and democracy, urging us to rethink accountability in the sector. 🔹 Pamala Wiepking (2019) – Highlighted the transformative power of small, everyday acts of generosity in fostering more equitable societies. 🔹 Dr Beth Breeze OBE. (2021) – Explored the motivations behind charitable giving, illustrating how generosity plays a pivotal role in society. 🔹 Michael Meyer (2023) – Provided key insights on how philanthropy and philanthropic organizations build resilience during times of crisis. Now, as we prepare for the ERNOP 2025 Conference, our academic committee (Marlene Walk, Tine De Bock, Eva-Maria Merz, Arthur Gautier, nicolas duvoux, Guy Schultz & Georg Mildenberger) is yet to decide who will be next. But we also want to hear from you! 📢 Which, preferably European, academic would you like to see take the stage to address our theme: "Philanthropy for the People, By the People?" Share your suggestions below! 👇 Let’s co-create an inspiring and thought-provoking conference together. #ERNOP2025 #Philanthropy #Research #Conference #Grantmaking #Fundraising #Volunteering #Foundations #Charities #NGOs

🚨 Research note of the WEEK! 🚨 Civil Society Organizations: Legitimizing the Common Good 📄 The authors explore the concepts of legitimacy and accountability in the academic literature. Specifically, they discuss how these concepts relate to Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and in what ways legitimacy is constructed, understood and represented in the Civil Society sector. The key research questions addressed are: (1) In what ways is legitimacy understood and negotiated within Civil Society Organisations? (2) Does the current research and literature from other domains translate to the Civil Society sector? (3) What are the gaps in the literature?    ✒ Author(s): Liv Egholm – Copenhagen Business School | Liesbet Heyse – University of Groningen | damien mourey – ECOLE NORMALE SUPERIEURE PARIS-SACLAY    📝 The Research note is written by Silva L. from the Karl Kahane Foundation    🔔 More research notes! These and more research notes are published on our website: https://lnkd.in/e5uuPydM     💡 Do you want to become a practitioner expert? For more information and to sign up: https://lnkd.in/gE8J5Dck     👉 Follow us on LinkedIn to get regular insights from research on philanthropy in Europe.    #Legitimacy #CivilSociety #Accountability #NonProfitSector #CommonGood

🌟 New Release of Why Philanthropy Matters Philanthropisms podcast featuring the latest ERNOP Research Notes: Insights for Philanthropy Professionals! 🌟 We are excited to share three of the latest ERNOP Research Notes through the Philanthropisms podcast hosted by Rhodri Davies, where we make cutting-edge academic research more accessible for practitioners working in philanthropy. In this edition, featuring: 🔹 Georg von Schnurbein (Center for Philanthropy Studies (CEPS) - Universität Basel) examines foundation investment funds in Germany and their potential to promote sustainable investing. 🔹 Joris M. Schröder Schröder (Centrum voor Filantropische Studies Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam) investigates the influence of talking about donations and word-of-mouth solicitations on people's willingness to donate blood. 🔹 Jörg Lindenmeier (The University of Freiburg) explores the concept of charitable ethnocentrism and its impact on international giving decisions. 🔗 Explore the Research: All ERNOP's latest Research Notes: https://lnkd.in/e5uuPydM Interested in helping us bridge the gap between academic research and practical application in philanthropy? Consider becoming an ERNOP Practitioner Expert, where you'll work with authors to translate research into actionable insights for the field. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gE8J5Dck Or, if you are passionate about advancing philanthropy research, we invite you to join our network and support ERNOP’s mission: https://lnkd.in/e33rhgJJ #philanthropy #researchtopractice #sustainableinvesting #blooddonation #internationalgiving #ERNOP

🚨 Research note of the WEEK! 🚨 Improving Grantmaking Through Relational Philanthropy 📄 In their article “In Reciprocity, We Trust: Improving Grant-making through Relational Philanthropy,” Janis Petzinger and Tobias Jung present a compelling argument. They propose that embracing relational philanthropy, which emphasises trust-based relationships between grantors and grantees, can pave the way for more effective and empowering grant-making practices. This approach, they suggest, represents a promising departure from the current dominant model of philanthrocapitalism, which often relies on rationalist, market-based strategies and strict oversight of grant recipients.    ✒ Author(s): Janis Petzinger, Ph.D. - @School of Business, University of St Andrews | Tobias Jung - School of Business, University of St Andrews   📝 The Research note is written by Zeryihun Kassa from Kingston University    🔔 More research notes! These and more research notes are published on our website: https://lnkd.in/e5uuPydM     💡 Do you want to become a practitioner expert? For more information and to sign up: https://lnkd.in/gE8J5Dck     👉 Follow us on LinkedIn to get regular insights from research on philanthropy in Europe.    #RelationalPhilanthropy #TrustBasedGrantmaking #UnrestrictedFunding #ReciprocityInPhilanthropy #PowerDynamicsInGrantmaking 

🌍 Rewind: Exploring Systems Change in Philanthropy 🌍 Today, we had the privilege of hosting an ERNOP Science & Society Webinar on philanthropy's role in systems change. Arthur Gautier - ESSEC Philanthropy Chair and Hanna Stähle from Philea - Philanthropy Europe Association explored with participants how foundations are navigating the complexities of addressing the root causes of social issues rather than just treating symptoms. Key takeaways from the session: - Understanding systems change and its potential to create lasting impact by shifting underlying societal structures. - The challenges philanthropic organizations face in funding systems change, including risk aversion, long-term commitment, and the need for systemic thinking. - The gap between perception and practice in systems change funding, and strategies to bridge it. A big thank you to all who participated and contributed to webinar! If you missed it, stay tuned for the recording: https://lnkd.in/enB5Szkr