From Transaction to Transformation
This blog reflects on discussions from the 2023 UK Community Foundations CEO retreat about the future role of community foundations. It explores how transparency, donor engagement and sustainable giving can move philanthropy beyond transactions towards long-term transformation. The article also highlights climate action, equality-focused grantmaking, rural inequalities, Black leadership, organisational sustainability and the importance of peer learning in helping community foundations respond to complex and changing local needs.
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.
UK Community Foundations: The power of connection
This article explores how UK Community Foundations reimagined remote and flexible working after the COVID-19 pandemic by embedding staff within local community foundations across the UK. It reflects on how closer relationships with members, regular in-person visits and long-term thinking can strengthen both organisational learning and the wider community foundation network.
Digital Transformation – reports from the field
This summary report reflects on the digital transformation journeys of fourteen community foundations across Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic. It identifies three main types of change: accelerated digital development, enforced practices that may remain useful, and continuous adaptation of programmes and engagement. The report also introduces practical examples covering donor relations, fundraising, grantmaking, stakeholder consultation, remote teamwork and community engagement, encouraging organisations to assess which digital practices should be retained and developed further.
Adapting in-person programs to online delivery
This case study documents how the Healthy City Community Foundation Banská Bystrica adapted its programmes and fundraising activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. It describes the shift to online grantmaking, virtual events and digital fundraising, while reflecting on the opportunities and limitations of remote engagement. The publication also highlights the challenges of reaching digitally excluded communities and considers the evolving role of community foundations in promoting inclusion and strengthening local partnerships.
Digitalising processes for remote work and engagement with the community
This case study shows how the Community Foundation of the Canavese adapted to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing new digital tools and communication practices. It describes how remote working, online collaboration and digital storytelling helped the foundation maintain relationships with donors, strengthen connections with local organisations and expand its fundraising activities. The publication also reflects on the role of digital transformation in building resilience and supporting long-term community engagement.
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.
