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Community Foundations in Europe

Community foundations are locally-rooted philanthropic institutions that mobilise people, knowledge and financial capital and deploy these resources in a specific geographical area. With deep local insight and trusted relationships, they’re uniquely positioned to tackle complex challenges and drive systemic change from the ground up.

They play a vital role in local social, economic, cultural and environmental development. While each community foundation is unique, they share common characteristics and challenges.

Celebrating tradition and intergenerational solidarity through folk dance. © Community Foundation Płock

Community Foundations across 28 countries.

Support Organisations located in 27 countries.

Community foundations across Europe:

are independent and governed by a board of citizens with an understanding of / is broadly reflective of the communities they serve;

seek to build, over time, assets and funds from a wide range of donors, including local citizens, other foundations, businesses, and public bodies;

accumulate and deploy capital (in various forms – human, financial, physical, intellectual, social and cultural) to make grants or implement activities that address a wide variety of needs in the locality;

engage in a range of community leadership and partnership activities, serving as catalysts, convenors, collaborators and facilitators to solve problems and develop solutions to important community issues.

Traditional handicraft showcased through a senior photography project. © Snow Mountain Community Foundation

Community foundations across Europe:

are independent and governed by a board of citizens with an understanding of / is broadly reflective of the communities they serve;
seek to build, over time, assets and funds from a wide range of donors, including local citizens, other foundations, businesses, and public bodies;
accumulate and deploy capital (in various forms – human, financial, physical, intellectual, social and cultural) to make grants or implement activities that address a wide variety of needs in the locality;

engage in a range of community leadership and partnership activities, serving as catalysts, convenors, collaborators and facilitators to solve problems and develop solutions to important community issues.

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Small actions, big shifts: What can we learn from social tipping points about driving climate action locally?

November 10, 2025
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CFSOs Annual Meeting

ECFI is gathering Community Foundations Support Organisations across Europe for its annual meeting, taking place in Vienna on the 24th & 25th of November 2025. During the two days, we will discuss the year we had and the one ahead, share opportunities, learn from one another and set the ground for further collaboration.

October 9, 2025
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Registrations open: ECFI Youth Fest 2025 in Naples

It’s all about you(th)! Registrations are now open for the ECFI Youth Fest, a two-day event dedicated to exploring the transformative power of youth participation and leadership in community foundations. When & Where: 27–29 October 2025, Rione Sanità, Naples (Italy)