Looking Back at 2025: What did this year ask of ECFI and the field?
With an eventful, exciting but also challenging year coming to an end, it’s a good moment to reflect on what this year has asked of the community foundation field, and of ECFI, which exists to support it. In a context of growing pressure on civil society and community foundations, our work this year has been shaped by listening closely, hosting moments of connection and responding alongside our partners. This reflection brings together some of the key themes that emerged from that shared experience.
Community Foundations as Drivers of Social Change: ECFI at Stiftungstag 2025
ECFI joined Stiftungstag 2025, one of the biggest gathering of philanthropy practitioners across Germany and beyond. In this piece, Kathrin Dombrowski, Coordinating Director at ECFI, shares her insights from the event and highlights some key discussion points from the ECFI panel on the role of community foundations in contributing to “social tipping points” on climate.
Recentering the purpose and pathways for community foundation support organisations: Infrastructure for the Future
Over 100 leaders from community foundations support organisations (CFSOs) representing 34 countries across four continents gathered in Bucharest, convened by Inspire, to reflect and exchange on the present and possible future roles for CFSOs. Here, we share some of the insights gathered by the ECFI team.
Reviving and reimagining Rural Life: The Story of La Nou Community Foundation and Its Mission for Generational Renewal
In this interview, Francesca Mereta, ECFI, explores the origins and aspirations of La Nou Community Foundation with Eva González Vargas, Secretary General. Located in a rural area with the lowest population density in Europe, La Nou Community Foundation focuses on addressing the eco-social crisis, and in particular its impact on young people, through creating opportunities for a fulfilling life in the locality.
Philanthropy Island: The Jersey Community Foundation Journey
Jersey is one of the Channel Islands and a British Crown Dependency, with its own parliament, government and laws. Established in 2020, Jersey Community Foundation is the newest edition to the UK Community Foundations network. From launching the foundation during the pandemic to tackling critical issues like climate change and the cost of living to supporting migrants, Anna Terry, CEO of Jersey Community Foundation, provides a glimpse into the challenges and aspirations of a uniquenisland-based foundation.
Disasters happen, and they will
In the midst of chaos following the devastating flash flood in Valencia the Horta Sud Community Foundation offered a beacon of hope. Fortunately, because of its particularly close working relationship with the Association of Spanish Foundations it was able to count on essential technical and financial support, as well as reach to experience from across Europe, that helped it deal with emergency and the aftermath of the catastrophe. Here Valentina Ferrara, coordinator of the Spanish Association’s community foundation programme, reflects on the action taken by both organisations, drawing lessons for others.
Stories of change: how community foundations are advancing local climate solutions in Europe
In an era marked by an urgent need for effective and comprehensive climate action, community foundations across Europe can play a pivotal role. ECFI latest publication “Walking the climate talk” discovers how.
WALKING THE CLIMATE TALK: Stories of community foundation climate action journeys from around Europe
This report is a collection of six stories from community foundations across different countries that have embarked on their climate journey. Five are from organisations which were represented as participants in the ECFI cohort of the Active Philanthropy Climate & Philanthropy Learning Journey. In all five cases, their approach to climate action was greatly helped by the opportunity to take time out of their day- to-day business to reflect strategically on the ways the climate crisis intersects with their work and develop their own personal action plans. They also all emphasised the enormous value of connecting with and experiencing the support from like-minded individuals (in this case the other members of the ECFI Climate Action Peer Group) – showing that effective climate leadership is about building the right relationships and connections just as much as it is about creating an effective strategy.
From a swinging focus to an intentional commitment: Novara Community Foundation climate journey
Even though climate, in particular the environment, has always been a focus for the Fondazione Comunità Novarese (Novara Community Foundation), the organisation stepped up its commitment in the past few years. In this interview, Andrea Cognata, Culture and Environment Officer at Novara Community Foundation, shares in this interview what were the turning points in this journey, the challenges faced and the opportunities lying ahead.
From Awareness to Action: The Tot Raval’s Climate journey – in dialogue with Mercé Garet
Explore the insightful journey of Fundaciò Tot Raval, as revealed by Programme Coordinator Mercé Garet, on integrating climate action into the heart of Barcelona neighbourhoud’s community foundation. Delve into their strategic steps, challenges, and aspirations to integrate the climate lens in their organisation.
