Bolder Questions, Bolder Solutions: A Collective Reflection to Imagine a New Vision for Philanthropy
This blog reflects on discussions at the European Forum Alpbach about how philanthropy can act more boldly in pursuit of systems change. It considers flexible funding, shared decision-making, power redistribution and greater trust in communities. The article highlights the value of community foundations as locally rooted, community-owned institutions that support long-term processes, strengthen participation and connect local experimentation with wider systemic change.
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.
