Re-thinking Approaches to Community Foundations Movement Building in the Balkans
Re-thinking approaches to community foundation movement building in the Balkans presents the synthesis of a multi-country action research initiative led by ECFI and partner support organisations in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The report examines how community foundations are developing under conditions of political pressure, donor dependency, and shrinking civic space. Using the 4Cs framework—capacity, capability, credibility, and connections—it identifies key paradoxes of fragility and resilience, and offers strategic recommendations for consolidating existing foundations, strengthening support organisations, and building a sustainable, trust-based regional movement.
Balkan Re-think Action Research. National research reports
The Re-think National Research Reports – Annex complements the Balkan Re-think synthesis by providing detailed country-level analyses from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Drawing on interviews, desk research, and practitioner insights, the annex explores how community foundations and support organisations navigate fragile civic environments, donor dependency, and limited capacity. It captures national specificities while reinforcing shared patterns around trust-building, local legitimacy, and the critical role of long-term support in transforming emerging initiatives into sustainable community-based institutions.
An investment of time and money pays off in Romania
George Gurescu from ARC (Romania) recounts the success of the Community Foundations Development Program, which led to the creation of two new community foundations in Buzău and Vâlcea—raising the national total to 18. Over 18 months, ARC provided intensive mentorship, peer exchange, and financial support, combining trust-based relationships with tailored capacity-building. Local initiative groups, supported by Mott and the Romanian-American Foundation, mobilised residents and diaspora donors to fundraise and form new foundations—strengthening Romania’s community philanthropy movement and expanding its national reach.
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.
ECFI Guide: Community Foundations in Romania
The Guide to Community Foundations in Romania traces the rapid development of a strong community philanthropy movement since 2008. Initiated by the Association for Community Relations (ARC), it highlights how local leaders, donors, and citizens have built 16 foundations serving nearly half of Romania’s population. The publication showcases stories of civic renewal, diaspora engagement, education funds, and youth-led initiatives—revealing how trust, local pride, and cooperation are revitalising communities and strengthening Romania’s social fabric.
