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.
Back to the basics with forward thinking: How support infrastructure keeps the system flowing
Community foundation support organisations (CFSOs) are sometimes described as the scaffolding of our field – the structures that hold networks together and help movements grow. But during this year’s CFSO gathering in Vienna on 24–25 November, another metaphor felt far more fitting: CFSOs as the plumbing of the philanthropy ecosystem. Not the most glamorous image, perhaps. But stay with us. Read Kathrin Dombroski and James Magowan collective insights that emerged during the ECFI 2025 CFSOs meeting.
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.
The Journey of Community Foundations in Portugal
Our next destination of our Interail mini-series is Portugal. Discover how community foundations are emerging and how the Portuguese Foundation Centre is supporting the development of the movement.
The Journey of Community Foundations in France
Ride with us through France, our next destination of our Interail mini-series. Discover here how the community foundations were born there, the challenges they face – starting from their name – and how Fondation de Lille and other organisations are supporting the development of the field.
Journey of Slovakian Community Foundations
Second stop of our Interrail series: Slovakia. Discover the origin of its community foundations movement, their features, tracks covered in the past and future stations ahead.
Lessons form an exchange: Austria – Romania
This report shares insights and inspiring stories from an exchange between Austrian initiative groups and Romanian community foundations. The exchange aimed to accelerate the development of the community foundation field in Austria by learning from successful practitioners in Romania. The report highlights the practical impact of the exchange, including shaping the Austrian community foundation program and launching the first Capacity Building program. It also showcases the innovative approaches and grantmaking schemes adopted by the Romanian community foundations to fund their projects.
Network weaving in complex ecosystems – supporting the establishment and development of community foundations
These working session notes explore how networks act as key infrastructure in strengthening community foundation ecosystems. Framed through the “5 Cs” — including an added catalytic role — networks provide platforms for exchange, build capacity and credibility, and connect actors across levels. They support the emergence and development of community foundations by offering technical assistance, mobilising resources, and shaping the field’s identity. The document highlights the importance of flexible, context-driven network forms and the need for sustainable support to maintain their long-term effectiveness.
Guide to Community Foundations in Serbia
This guide presents the development of community foundations in Serbia and the social, political and economic context in which they operate. It explains Trag Foundation’s movement-building approach and profiles community foundations in Niš, Stara Pazova and Pančevo, highlighting their fundraising, grantmaking, inclusion and community leadership practices. The publication also offers practical recommendations on early grantmaking, matching funds, registration, locally adapted fundraising and peer learning.
