The importance of trust, proximity and relationships
11 June 2026, 11:00–12:30 CET, online
Across Europe, communities increasingly face moments of disruption — from floods and wildfires to pandemics, economic shocks, forced displacement and the impacts of wars and terrorism. In such situations, response is shaped not only by formal systems and resources, but also by trust, local relationships and the strength of civic connections.
This thematic meeting builds on the recent ECFI publication We Are There: community foundations in emergency response and recovery, which explores how three community foundations in Poland, Romania and Spain responded during and after the severe floods of 2024. The publication highlights how locally rooted organisations navigate uncertainty, mobilise support, coordinate actors and sustain action under pressure.
The meeting will use the publication as a starting point for a wider conversation about crisis response, relational infrastructure and the different roles organisations can play during disruption and recovery. Alongside reflections from the publication and discussion with contributors, participants will also be invited to share experiences from their own communities and organisational contexts.
The conversation is open to everyone interested in how communities respond to crisis and disruption — not only to community foundations, but also to other locally rooted organisations, philanthropy support organisations, civic initiatives, researchers, practitioners and anyone working closely with or alongside communities.
During the thematic meeting we will explore:
- What becomes visible during crises that is often hidden in ordinary times?
- Why do trust, proximity and relationships matter during disruption?
- How do different organisations position themselves under pressure?
- What enables communities and organisations to remain adaptive and connected?
- How can crisis response strengthen — or strain — local civic infrastructure?
The meeting will include:
- Insights from the publication and its case studies
- Reflections from contributors and practitioners
- Participant exchange and breakout discussions
- Space for shared learning across different crisis experiences and organisational contexts
