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Connecting Support Organisations

National-level support organisations are critical for supporting, connecting and empowering community foundations in their respective country. ECFI works closely with the community foundation support organisations in Europe to strengthen the field. Among other activities, we hold an annual in-person gathering of support organisations, offer regular informal exchanges in the form of fortnightly online picnics and invest in strengthening our bilateral relationships with each.

Young dancer Amirah Ayach performing her first solo piece as part of the Learner-Master project, guided by mentor Pol Coussement, supported by the Strandschelp Fund. © Community Foundation West Flanders

Community volunteers preparing and sharing rescued vegetarian meals as part of the ‘Supp_optimal – Food for All’ project, promoting climate action and social connection. © Community Foundation Stuttgart

Informal Picnics

An online space for informal exchange, mutual learning and relationship-building.

Every two weeks, we host relaxed virtual gatherings where anyone involved with a community foundation support organisation can connect, share experiences, and explore solutions to common challenges.

Annual Gathering

A face-to-face convening to align strategies, co-create ideas, and deepen collaboration.

Once a year, community foundation support organisations come together to reflect, plan, and strengthen their collective support for community foundations.

Participants at the 2024 CFSO Annual Meeting in Berlin @ ECFI

Bowhill Miners Boxing and Fitness Club, founded in 2022 at Bowhill Community Centre in Cardenden, offers young people boxing training and mentoring to build both sporting and life skills. © Foundation Scotland

Advocacy for the Movement

Making the Case and Being a Voice for Community Foundations.

We see advocacy as relating to both the institutional form and functions as well as the actions of community foundations. It can range from addressing legal, fiscal, and cultural barriers to the establishment of a community foundations, through to policy and systems change that might impact on a particular issue, area, or group.

Interested in learning more?

Get in touch with us if you are interested in participating in our Advocacy Peer Group or want to hear more about upcoming activities.