The European Foundation Centre At a glance share l learn l connect l act
3 What we re about We support our members, both individually and collectively, in their work to foster positive social change in Europe and beyond. Our European and global perspective on foundations and the landscape they inhabit gives us a helicopter view that presents a unique opportunity for us as an organisation, hand in hand with our members, to reflect on, understand, engage with and together strengthen the environment for foundations. Established in 1989 by 7 foundations, today the European Foundation Centre (EFC) represents more than 200 foundations. The EFC is staffed by a committed team dedicated to supporting our members in their work. The EFC is an association of foundations and corporate funders with members from across Europe and the globe.
5 What we offer Our foundation members connect, exchange, learn and act through the EFC s mix of services, events and networks. We serve all levels of staff at our member foundations from junior programme officers to CEOs. At the EFC, you can: Get involved in the debate on pressing issues, and meet, discuss and exchange with peers in exclusive and dedicated fora Increase your impact through our Thematic Networks, which provide a platform for peerlearning, collaboration, incubation of new ideas, issue-based policy work and spotting emerging issues in your field Develop your staff s skills and knowledge through trainings, guides and exchange programmes Tap into our policy, legal and fiscal expertise and get the latest information on the sector Have your voice heard in Europe, making sure the issues that matter to you are advocated for at EU level Steer the sector by serving on our Governing Council, committees and task forces Increase your outreach through our websites, newsletters, printed publications, social media channels and blogs Get answers to your specific information requests from our Resource Centre staff Organise an event at our fully equipped meeting, exhibition and screening facilities at Philanthropy House in Brussels
Representing foundations interests As a membership association we represent our members interests and make sure their voice is heard. Activities include: Policy and advocacy work at the EU institutions through our Thematic Networks in a wide range of issues linked with pressing societal challenges Fighting for a better operational and legal environment for foundations working transnationally EuroPhilantopics a major annual event on the EFC calendar that brings foundations and sectorial stakeholders together with policymakers Policy Par Là and Inter-act event series, which bring funders and policymakers together to debate timely issues In-dialogue, a blog space to talk about societal trends and developments and Spotlight, a unique online insight into what s on foundations minds Convening ad hoc events to respond to pressing issues identified by our members 7
9 We provide: Two major annual gatherings our Annual General Assembly (AGA) and Conference held in the spring; and EuroPhilantopics, our autumn event bringing funders and policymakers together to tackle pressing societal issues Debate and dialogue events hosted throughout the year in Brussels and across Europe, gathering funders, decision makers and other stakeholders Virtual communications platforms and events, including webinars and e-communities Thematic Networks that bring like-minded funders together to break out of silos and inspire new thinking, providing a platform for peer-learning, collaboration, incubation of new ideas, issue-based policy work and spotting emerging issues in their field: Providing space and support for networking Foundations exchanging experience, inspiring each other with new ideas, collaborating for more impact than they would otherwise have acting alone this is what our networking activities aim for. Diversity, Migration and Integration The European Consortium of Foundations on Human Rights and Disability European Environmental Funders Group European Foundation Financial and Investment Officers Group European Foundations for Family Farming Forum for Roma Inclusion Funders Forum on Sustainable Cities Gender Equality Grantmakers East Forum Investing in equal life opportunities The League of Accessible and Historical Cities Regional Foundations Network Research Forum Social Innovation for Active and Healthy Ageing Youth Employment
11 Harnessing and sharing knowledge Knowledge underpins everything we do. We gather and employ intelligence on our members, their activities, interests, and needs. We analyse and think through trends within the sector, but equally cast our eyes outwards, to explore the wider context - the issues that affect foundations and the issues they seek to address. This knowledge informs and shapes our professional development and knowledge services, which include: The latest news and analysis on developments in the sector, shared through electronic newsletters, publications and Effect magazine Legal and fiscal advice provided by specialised staff, with a high level of expertise on cross-border philanthropy Training opportunities on grantmaking, organisational and cross-cutting skills A diverse mix of methodologies and approaches to adapt to all levels of foundation staff and boards needs Professional development opportunities such as Tiepolo, the EFC s peer mentoring programme; the European Learning Lab for operations and programme staff; and the Summer Academy on grantmaking skills Issue-based peer-learning activities, mappings, research and study visits through our Thematic Networks An array of online communities to share best practices, raise operational questions and keep abreast of the latest tools Exclusive access to the members-only pages on the EFC s website containing resources (e-services), contacts, members profiles and more
Philanthropy House: The home of European philanthropy A unique and fully-refurbished building in the heart of Brussels, Philanthropy House is home to the EFC and several other philanthropic support organisations, and brings philanthropy to life, with its exhibitions, debates, meetings, and screenings. It shows policymakers and the public what foundations do, how they intersect people s daily lives and why the work they undertake is so important. Philanthropy House provides a physical space for debate, dialogue, exchange and learning for foundations and their stakeholders. A home-from-home in Brussels for EFC members EFC members can hold events and meetings in 7 fullyequipped meeting rooms at special rates and screen films and documentaries in the cinema Members can increase their visibility in Brussels by showcasing their work in the street-level Galleria, the main exhibition space for Philanthropy House Philanthropy House also has a Resource Centre and staff that can help with specific information requests www.philanthropyhouse.eu 13
Join us European philanthropy is going from strength to strength. By joining the EFC, your organisation can be part of this dynamic community. With over 25 years of experience in the sector, the EFC has much to offer foundations and philanthropic organisations. Visit the EFC website to fill in a membership application form: www.efc.be/join or contact Sarah Impens, EFC Membership Director, at membership@efc.be Membership categories Full Members Membership of the EFC is open to individual grantmaking and operational funders, i.e. European foundations and corporate funders, and global funders with European funding programmes and initiatives. Affiliated Partners Associations, cooperatives, research institutes, universities, individuals and other interested parties can get involved by applying for the Affiliated Partner status. 15
Our principles All EFC members sign up to the EFC Principles of Good Practice, which promote the core values that every foundation should aspire to embrace. The Principles cover four key areas: Independent Governance The foundation has an identifiable and independent decision-making body which acts with high ethical standards and whose members are nominated in accordance with established principles and procedures. Sound Management The foundation promotes effective and prudent management as well as sustainable investment strategies, while ensuring the best use of resources for the public benefit. Transparency The foundation communicates the remit, goals and results of its work in a comprehensive and digestible manner, holding transparency at the core of all activities. Accountability The foundation acts in a responsible and collaborative manner by accounting for its actions to stakeholders, and by being active in sharing its knowledge and experiences. 17
Follow us www.efc.be European Foundation Centre @the_efc EuroFoundationCentre European Foundation Centre 18 The photos in this publication were taken at various EFC events.
European Foundation Centre AISBL Philanthropy House rue Royale 94 1000 Brussels Belgium tel.: +32.2.512.8938 e-mail: efc@efc.be www.efc.be