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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 29 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.