We are there: community foundations in emergency response and recovery
This practice-oriented publication explores how community foundations in Poland, Romania and Spain responded to severe floods in 2024. Through case studies and cross-cutting reflections, it examines how trust, proximity and long-term relationships shaped emergency response and recovery, highlighting the role of community foundations as locally rooted actors that coordinate support, sustain civic infrastructure and navigate difficult choices under pressure.
From inside Ukraine
This blog offers a first-hand account of how Ukrainian community foundations responded during the first months of Russia’s full-scale invasion. It describes their rapid mobilisation to support civilians, displaced people, volunteers, hospitals and local defence efforts, while maintaining social cohesion and community resilience. The article also highlights the coordinating role of the National Network for the Development of Local Philanthropy and presents practical examples of humanitarian, cultural, medical and housing initiatives.
Community Foundations and Refugees
This report captures learning from an ECFI meeting on how community foundations responded to the refugee crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Drawing on experiences from Romania, Poland and Germany, it examines operational pressures, volunteer mobilisation, fundraising, cooperation with public bodies and the need for long-term integration strategies. It also highlights the distinctive value of community foundations as trusted local institutions able to act quickly, connect stakeholders and combine local knowledge with national and international support.
Learning Lab paper 2021 – Community foundation resilience in response to the Covid-19 pandemic
This paper examines how community foundations adapted their strategies, operations and funding practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on interviews with practitioners and wider research, it highlights flexible grantmaking, digital transformation, community engagement, cross-sector cooperation and emergency response. The publication also considers the financial pressures faced by community foundations and shows how trust, local knowledge and strong relationships enabled them to respond quickly to changing social, health and economic needs.
Think-a-thon
In this reflective article, Boris Strečanský explores how peer-to-peer fundraising can strengthen community philanthropy, civic participation and social capital. Drawing on experiences from a fundraising campaign in Hungary and the civic response to the South Moravia tornado, he argues that community foundations are essential infrastructure for mobilising local generosity, trust and collective action in both times of crisis and long-term community building.
Community Foundations and support organisations response to the pandemic and their look towards the future: A comparative overview between Italy and Romania
his comparative publication examines how community foundations and their support organisations in Italy and Romania responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights their role in mobilising local resources, coordinating emergency responses, strengthening partnerships and adapting organisational practices under pressure. Drawing on survey findings and practitioner reflections, the publication also considers the long-term opportunities and challenges for community philanthropy, including organisational sustainability, core support, capacity building and collaboration across the sector.
Sustainability as systemic value. Unlocking systems change. A power-proposition for community foundations.
This publication examines the emergence of community foundations in Ukraine during wartime, showing how they have become key local actors in emergency response, humanitarian aid and long-term community resilience. It highlights the ability of community foundations to mobilise local resources, coordinate volunteers, support displaced people and maintain trust despite the ongoing conflict, while reflecting on lessons for strengthening local philanthropy in times of crisis.
COVID-19 Community Foundations in Action: Russia – New demands, new ways of working
This case from Russia shows how the Community Foundation Garant adapted its role during the COVID-19 crisis by moving beyond grantmaking to direct support and coordination. Faced with rising social needs, it strengthened collaboration with partners, mobilised a large volunteer base and combined funding with hands-on delivery of aid, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness in a rapidly changing context.
COVID-19 August 2020 Community Foundations in Action: UK – Maintaining relationships with new donors
This case from the UK highlights how the Northamptonshire Community Foundation significantly expanded its donor base during the COVID-19 crisis while rapidly distributing funds to address urgent and emerging needs. It shows how strong local knowledge, agility and communication enabled effective support—from basic needs to mental health and culture—while also emphasising the importance of maintaining relationships with new donors beyond the crisis.
Places of power: how community foundations in Russia help in the new environment
This piece illustrates how community foundations across Russia adapted quickly to the COVID-19 crisis by mobilising local partnerships, coordinating support, and responding flexibly to emerging needs. Their actions ranged from food distribution and volunteer mobilisation to supporting NGOs, engaging businesses, and advocating for the non-profit sector—demonstrating strong local embeddedness and coordination roles under pressure.
