european foundation centre annual review 2019 E F oundations F E urope C T ogether european Contents United in diversity, foreword by the EFC Chair 2 foundation centre 30 years of the EFC 4 annual review 2019 Learning from the expertise and experience embedded in the sector 6 Connecting people for inspiration and joint action 10 Representing Why an elephant philanthropy for favourable policy and regulatory environments 16 ‘If your organisation was an animal, what would it be and why?’ This question was recently posed to participants, including EFC staff, at an external meeting. This pre- Building sented a great opportunity for us to think about our attributes and try to find a the evidence base, serving members’ information needs 22 creature to match. While the EFC has the characteristics of many animals, we felt that the elephant was the best analogy to describe who we are. We didn’t choose the elephant because of its intelligence, collective memory, strength, ability to protect, deliberate actions, longevity, focus on relationships and Raising visibility affinities, capacity to both lead and work in a team, and its keen communi- of philanthropy’s value and impact 28 cations skills (although of course all of these are applicable to the EFC!). But rather because each part of the elephant’s body, in particular its unique trunk, enables it to achieve something special, and depending Last word from Gerry Salole 32 on your interaction with the EFC, you will experience a different part EFC events 2019 34 of the elephant, without necessarily knowing that as well as its trunk, it also has tusks, ears, legs, a tail, and a thick skin! EFC membership 2019 36 Perhaps you know the ancient Indian story of the six blind men About the EFC 39 of Indostan. Each touched a different part of the elephant, and because they only touched that one part, they had totally dif- ferent impressions of what the animal actually looked like. The same can be said of the EFC: Many members know one area of our work – a peer-learning programme or a The- matic Network or the AGA for example – but don’t know what the overall creature looks like. We hope that you enjoy whichever part of the EFC elephant you interact with... and we do encourage you to test its other constituent parts! In the following pages, we hope you will see The 2019 EFC Financial Statement is printed separately, how the different parts come together. please contact the EFC for a copy or download from www.efc.be 1 United in diversity 2019 marked an important year in the sector’s EFC and COVID-19 advocacy efforts, right? foreword by the EFC chair During the production of this annual review, the Indeed. The EFC has always pushed for a more world was and is still suffering from the terrible To capture the highlights of the year, the EFC enabling operating environment for philanthro- impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While referring interviewed Massimo Lapucci, Secretary py so that it can realise its full potential in serving the public good. From 2019, this work to current year activities is not a common theme General of Fondazione CRT and EFC Chair, is being carried out under the joint DAFNE-EFC in annual reviews, we take this opportunity to about his impressions of 2019 – a year Philanthropy Advocacy initiative. The highlight applaud the amazing work being done despite was the launch of the “Philanthropy Manifes- appalling conditions by front line service th that marked the 30 anniversary of the to”, which is a genuine milestone on the road personnel. We also pay tribute to the manner in EFC and his last full year as EFC Chair. towards a single market for philanthropy. On which all organisations both inside and outside 20 March, in the presence of over 60 represen- our sector have come together in a spirit of tatives from the EU institutions, the European solidarity and citizenship. So 2019 was kind of a the value of infrastructure. Of course, in any Commission’s Kerstin Jorna (Deputy Director special year, right? EFC calendar the AGA and Conference stands General of DG ECFIN) and Michael O’Flaherty out as a flagship event, and last year we con- (Director of EU Fundamental Rights Agency) th vened an incredible 800 participants in Paris. provided clear support to this new Philanthro- You could say that. 2019 marked the EFC’s 30 The effects of climate change, overpopulation, EFC Conferences are about bringing the mem- py Manifesto. The momentum is building, and anniversary, no small milestone by any organ- the speed and frequency at which people trav- bership together to learn from each other, con- working together is the only way to see our isation’s standards. We often talk about ‘jour- el, are risk factors for everyone that we can- nect, and create new ideas. But sometimes – as goals achieved. neys’ – how far we have come, which direction not ignore, as the recent health and economic in Paris – you have to take stock of the individu- we are heading in – and the EFC has come a emergency of 2020 has brutally made evident. als who make such a difference, as was the case long, long way since its founding in November Your own journey as EFC An emergency that is also a perfect example of when Sara Llewellin became the first woman 1989 as a membership of just seven organisa- Chair ends in May, how a challenge which sadly knows no boundaries. tions. Our 30th anniversary, which you can read to receive the EFC Compass Prize. This is the more about on p 4-5 was therefore about much fifth ever prize awarded since its launch ten do you look back on the So, we need to reflect on many things, setting more than a number. It was a time to look back years ago. This recognition symbolises all the past three years? up strategies and actions to take better care but more importantly, a critical crossroads to sector should stand for – the strength in unity of our planet, to take care of all of us and of I think the last three years have seen tre- catch our bearings and decide on the path for- and community, the onward push for greater our communities. Every aspect, from our way mendous changes at the EFC, catalysed by wards. That’s why the 30th anniversary blog se- equality and inclusion. Surely while the EFC is of working to our way of living, needs to be the Strategic Framework which began in ries, later compiled in a special book and then at its current crossroads, these attributes must readdressed and redesigned to make it fu- 2016. It gave a mandate to focus on being a used as the basis for the birthday event in No- always remain central. ture-proof. thought-leader and spokesperson for the phil- vember last year was so important – we need- At the inaugural European Research & Innova- In this unparalleled moment in history, each of anthropic sector, paying more attention to ed to have critical discussions on the direction tion Days, which took place from 24-26 Sep- us is called upon to do our part and as always, global issues and developing a strong analysis, the EFC and the philanthropy sector could – and tember in Brussels, the EFC co-designed with without wanting to sound like a broken record, insight and forecasting capability, consolidat- should – head in future. We have also been cou- the European Commission four key sessions philanthropy has a vital role to play, now, more ing our bridge-building capacity and to make rageous this year to begin to look within our exploring the role of philanthropy as a partner than ever in unity. We have already taken steps the case for institutional philanthropy in Eu- organisations, to reconsider ourselves, and our in research and innovation. Across the sessions, in the right direction by releasing the joint rope and beyond. My thanks go to my fellow contribution to the sector as a whole. This has philanthropy was recognised for how much it statement with DAFNE on European solidarity Management Committee members and the been a crucial / vital step towards developing a can bring to the table outside of funding; name- in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. Governing Council over these past years, and unique voice for philanthropy that is even more ly expertise, convening power, and the ability to notably Gerry Salole, who is also stepping It is time to work for peace and prosperity to- incisive, and that can improve our own ability to provide risk capital, among other assets. This down after leading the EFC for 15 years. gether, appreciating the diversity Europe - and achieve greater impact. closer cooperation with the EFC has led to the the world — gives us, and the diversity that inclusion of philanthropy as a key partner in At this critical crossroads, with new leader- characterises our own philanthropic networks the Horizon Europe Framework Programme ship and collaboration opportunities opening What were the highlights and organisations. This is why the motto of the (2021-2028), a first for the sector. This was up, clearly the best path is the one travelled of such an eventful European Union is called to the fore: “United one of the highlights of many activities – from together. in Diversity”. The responsibility is ours and it anniversary year? advocacy efforts to research projects to joint is time we step up to the mark. programmes - undertaken by our Thematic Net- I think that when Körber-Stiftung gifted its A final remark for the future? works and Communities of Practice, and a fuller share of Philanthropy House in November, the list is available on p 34-35.