Foundations for Society’s Welfare and Values
- European philanthropic organizations are highlighting their crucial role in providing stability and fostering long-term vision for companies and social economy entities.
- Hanna Surmatz, head of public affairs for PHILANTHROPY Europe Association (Philea), emphasized the significant economic contribution of philanthropy.
- "Philanthropy is integral to civil society and the economy, uniquely positioned to respond swiftly to critical challenges," Surmatz said.
European Foundations Emphasize Stability, Sustainability Amid Global Challenges
Table of Contents
European philanthropic organizations are highlighting their crucial role in providing stability and fostering long-term vision for companies and social economy entities. These institutions face immediate challenges that include reinforcing their activities, protecting sustainability principles, and strengthening societal relationships.
Philanthropy’s Economic Impact
Hanna Surmatz, head of public affairs for PHILANTHROPY Europe Association (Philea), emphasized the significant economic contribution of philanthropy. Philea represents more than 7,500 foundations across 30 countries, all striving to improve lives and communities globally. Surmatz noted that Europe has over 186,000 philanthropic organizations, holding an annual accumulated endowment of 54.5 billion euros and a total heritage exceeding 647 billion euros.
“Philanthropy is integral to civil society and the economy, uniquely positioned to respond swiftly to critical challenges,” Surmatz said. “Our mission is to amplify the voice of European philanthropy and boost collective action to build a better today and tomorrow.”
philea’s leadership, during a roundtable discussion with representatives from the Robert Bosch Foundation, King Boudouin Foundation, and Ramboll Foundation, addressed the evolving political landscape. They noted that global events are substantially impacting the core issues that philanthropy addresses, ranging from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to international cooperation, education, migration, human rights, climate justice, democracy, and media independence.Particular concern was expressed for Eastern Europe and Ukraine.
The association is actively considering how to prepare for a future characterized by potential shifts in the world order. “We must be determined to defend our space, as any reduction in that space will diminish our contribution to the public good,” Philea representatives stated.
Toward Openness and Agility
Alberto Empaza,a professor of Commercial Law at the University of the Basque Country,discussed the “European Enterprise Foundation Model Law,” promoted by the European Law Institute (ELI). This initiative aims to create new regulations that foster the development of business foundations, incorporating corporate governance practices that enhance transparency and agility.
Alberto Durán, Vice President of Fundación Once, added that foundations represent “an extraordinary model of growth” for the Social Group eleven, allowing them to extend solidarity through numerous actions benefiting people facing arduous circumstances.
collaboration for progress
The discussions, organized in conjunction with the Spanish Association of Foundations (AEF) and Philea, underscored the value of these institutions. Isabel Peñalosa, director of Institutional Relations and Legal Advice of the AEF, stated that foundations “provide long-term stability and vision to companies and the entities of the social economy in which they participate and are able to generate alliances and development opportunities.”
Introduction
As Europe confronts an evolving global landscape, philanthropic organizations are playing a critical role in providing stability and fostering long-term vision. This article explores the challenges and the contributions of these institutions,drawing on insights from experts and discussions within the philanthropic sector.
Q&A Section
Q: What is the primary role of European philanthropic organizations in today’s world?
A: European philanthropic organizations are highlighting their crucial role in providing stability and fostering a long-term vision for companies and social economy entities. They are essential in reinforcing activities, upholding sustainability principles, and strengthening relationships within society.
Q: What is the economic impact of philanthropy in Europe?
A: Philanthropy makes a meaningful economic contribution. The Philanthropy Europe Association (Philea) reports that Europe has over 186,000 philanthropic organizations. These organizations hold an annual accumulated endowment of €54.5 billion and a total heritage exceeding €647 billion, demonstrating their substantial influence.
Q: How does philanthropy contribute to addressing global challenges?
A: Philanthropy is uniquely positioned to respond to critical challenges swiftly. Hanna Surmatz, head of public affairs for Philea, stated that philanthropy is integral to civil society and the economy. Philanthropic organizations are striving to improve lives and communities globally, with many focusing on responding to emerging challenges, from diversity, equity, and inclusion to international cooperation.
Q: What are some of the major challenges that European philanthropic organizations are currently facing?
A: The global landscape is shifting, impacting core issues that philanthropy addresses. These issues range from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to international cooperation, education, migration, human rights, climate justice, democracy, and media independence. Leaders within the sector are actively considering how to prepare for a future characterized by potential shifts in the world order, with particular concern for regions like Eastern Europe and Ukraine. Philea representatives emphasize the need to defend their space to continue contributing to the public good.
Q: How are foundations fostering innovation and growth?
A: Foundations are actively working on developing new initiatives that promote progress, Alberto Empaza, a professor of Commercial Law at the University of the Basque Contry, discussed the “European Enterprise Foundation model Law”, which is promoted by the European Law institute (ELI). This initiative aims to create new regulations that encourage business foundations,and incorporates corporate governance practices that enhance transparency and agility.
Q: What are the benefits of business foundations?
A: The Vice President of Fundación Once, Alberto Durán, noted that foundations represent “an extraordinary model of growth,” allowing them to extend solidarity thru many actions that benefit people facing difficult circumstances.
Q: How are foundations collaborating to increase their impact?
A: Collaboration is crucial for progress. Discussions organized in conjunction with the Spanish Association of Foundations (AEF) and Philea highlighted the value of these institutions. Isabel Peñalosa, director of Institutional Relations and Legal Advice of the AEF, stated that foundations “provide long-term stability and vision to companies and the entities of the social economy in which they participate and can generate alliances and development opportunities.”
Conclusion:
European philanthropic organizations play a vital role in building a better future. By addressing global challenges, fostering innovation, and creating alliances, these institutions are actively working to drive positive societal change.