Rachel McGrath
This article by Rachel McGrath of the Northamptonshire Community Foundation explains how the foundation integrated the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its core vision and business plan. Seeing itself as both locally rooted and globally connected, the foundation embraced the principle of “think global, act local.” The SDGs now guide its grantmaking, communication, and evaluation—helping align local giving with global priorities. The foundation also plans to support partners and donors in understanding and applying the SDGs in their own work.
European Community Foundation Initiative
The DAFNE/ECFI Webinar Report highlights the evolving landscape of community foundations and their support ecosystem in Europe. Bringing together practitioners and researchers, the session underlined the diversity of the movement—spanning over 800 community foundations and 22 support organisations. Speakers from Germany and Romania illustrated how local context, trust-building, and tailored support shape development. The discussion reaffirmed that community foundations act as catalysts for civic participation, cross-sector collaboration, and long-term resilience, requiring flexible and locally rooted support structures.
European Community Foundation Initiative
In this interview, Ciprian Ciocan, Executive Director of the Sibiu Community Foundation, describes the foundation’s journey from a grassroots initiative to one of Romania’s most innovative civic organisations. Starting with a volunteer-led marathon, Sibiu CF built sustainable fundraising models and programmes such as Științescu (STEAM education) and CitySense (smart city collaboration). Beyond funding, it aims to change local culture—promoting accountability, creativity, and collaboration. For Ciocan, building a community foundation “is a marathon, not a sprint,” requiring long-term vision and local ownership.
Anja Böllhoff
Strategic Advisor
ECFI
The Community Foundation Conference – Hungary Uncovered (Budapest, 2018) brought together over 70 participants from Hungary and Germany to explore the role of community foundations in a challenging civic environment. Despite concerns about social fragmentation and declining trust, the event showcased the vitality of Hungarian initiatives in Budapest, Pécs, and Miskolc. These foundations mobilised hundreds of volunteers, local institutions, and donors, strengthening civic life and demonstrating that community-led philanthropy can build resilience and hope even in restrictive conditions.
Tamás Scsaurszk
In a politically constrained environment, Hungary’s community foundations are proving that civic energy and trust can thrive even under pressure. The article by Tamás Scsaurszki of the Roots & Wings Foundation portrays how local leaders in cities like Budapest, Miskolc, and Pécs use creativity, credibility, and inclusion to strengthen communities and resist fragmentation. Despite shrinking space for civil society, these initiatives show growing confidence, resilience, and ambition—supported by diverse local and international partners working to sustain civic life across Hungary.
European Community Foundation Initiative
The Vital Signs approach helps community foundations use data to identify local needs and guide action for stronger, more connected communities. By combining research and civic dialogue, it supports foundations in taking on leadership roles and fostering collaboration with citizens, authorities, and donors. In Germany, the concept is being introduced through pilot meetings and studies, aiming to inspire data-driven philanthropy and link local efforts to the Sustainable Development Goals.
European Community Foundation Initiative
The community foundation movement in Ukraine has grown steadily since its beginnings in 1995, now counting over 30 active organisations. Amid decentralisation reforms, community foundations are becoming essential partners for local governments, enabling citizen participation, local grantmaking, and civic engagement. Supported by ISAR Ednannia, they foster innovation and social responsibility through giving circles, donor programmes, and cultural initiatives like Music Camp International. Despite challenges such as limited civic participation and sustainability concerns, Ukrainian community foundations are strengthening trust and cooperation between citizens, business, and authorities—laying the groundwork for resilient, community-led development.
Ľubica Lachká
The “Clubbing in Slovakia” initiative illustrates how community foundations can nurture a culture of local giving in environments with little philanthropic tradition. Originating from the “500 Friends of Banská Bystrica” model in the 1990s, Slovak community foundations established Clubs of Donors to encourage small, regular donations. Initially supported by corporate partners through matching funds, the model evolved into a community-driven network where local donors jointly decide which projects to fund. Today, four community foundations run the Clubs, engaging over 350 donors annually. This participatory approach has strengthened trust, transparency, and a sense of shared responsibility for local development in Slovakia.
