Empowering young people as active participants and decision-makers in community foundations
“Our collective future depends on the investment in young people, our activism, and our vision for what is possible.” Elevate Children Funders Group’s vision and mission. This report reflects on the proceedings of the first meeting of the ECFI Youth Involvement Thematic Path, which will lead to an in-person gathering in Ghent from September 11th to 13th, organised in partnership with StreekFonds Oost Vlanderen, Ghent, Belgium.
Fostering the Active Engagement and Civic Participation of Young People: Community Foundation Exchange Report
This exchange report shares learning from a peer visit between Sibiu Community Foundation and Assifero, joined by several Italian community foundations and youth-focused organisations. It explores how community foundations can involve young people in local action, organisational leadership and decision-making. The report highlights practical examples, including Future Chair, MIRACHALLENGE and the Urban Leadership Academy, while reflecting on youth brain drain, intergenerational spaces, shared ownership and the need to treat young people as active community participants.
Community engagement: a crucial issue for community foundations
How can community foundations build lasting relationships with the people they serve? This Learning Lab paper explores the principles of community engagement, highlights the importance of involving young people in decision-making, and presents practical examples from Italy, including Youth Banks and the National Civic Service, as tools for strengthening civic participation and local philanthropy.
Stronger together: How community foundations in Italy are collaborating to tackle educational disadvantages among young people and their families
This blog shows how community foundations in Italy collaborate across regions to tackle educational disadvantage among children and families. Through joint projects, partnerships, and innovative approaches such as personal empowerment funds, they combine local knowledge with national coordination to create long-term educational and social impact.
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.
