The unstoppable Italian Community Foundations Movement
This article celebrates the expansion of the Italian community foundation movement, highlighting four newly established organisations in Milan, Agrigento & Trapani, Valsesia, and Parma. Supported by Assifero, these foundations exemplify the diversity and vitality of community philanthropy in Italy—from youth-led social enterprises in Sicily to Alpine collaborations in Piedmont. Each emerged from deep local engagement, blending civic initiative, donor partnerships, and institutional support from foundations like Cariplo. Together, they demonstrate how Italian community foundations are fostering inclusion, participation, and sustainable local development across the country.
SDGs are embedded in our Values and Vision
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.
The Community Foundation movement in Ukraine – challenges and opportunities
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.
Clubbing in Slovakia – a model to develop local community philanthropy
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.
