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WALKING THE CLIMATE TALK: Stories of community foundation climate action journeys from around Europe
by James Magowan, Francesca Mereta ECFI
This report is a collection of six stories from community foundations across different countries that have embarked on their climate journey. Five are from organisations which were represented as participants in the ECFI cohort of the Active Philanthropy Climate & Philanthropy Learning Journey. In all five cases, their approach to climate action was greatly helped by the opportunity to take time out of their day- to-day business to reflect strategically on the ways the climate crisis intersects with their work and develop their own personal action plans. They also all emphasised the enormous value of connecting with and experiencing the support from like-minded individuals (in this case the other members of the ECFI Climate Action Peer Group) - showing that effective climate leadership is about building the right relationships and connections just as much as it is about creating an effective strategy.
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Empowering young people as active participants and decision-makers in community foundations From fundamentals (why) to examples of practice (how)
by Francesca Mereta, ECFI
“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.
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Charting a Greener Path: Rheda-Wiedenbrück Community Foundation’s Climate Commitment
by Francesca Mereta, ECFI
In a landscape where climate concerns demand urgent and collective efforts, Rheda-Wiedenbrück Community Foundation (Bürgerstiftung Rheda-Wiedenbrück) has emerged as a proactive force, aligning its resources, community influence, and strategic vision to address climate challenges. In this engaging conversation, Bettina Windau, Chairwoman of the community foundation, unpacks the journey of the organisation’s pivot towards sustainability, detailing the catalysts, initiatives undertaken, and the envisioned roadmap ahead.
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The State of the Community Foundation Field in Europe 2024
by ECFI
This guide highlights how diversity in form and function allows community foundations to weave themselves into local societal fabric. It contributes to an understanding of the evolution of the movement across Europe, providing insights into country contexts, topics and challenges.
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Community Foundations and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
by Francesca Mereta, ECFI
What are the relevance, opportunities and threats of AI to philanthropy and the work of community foundations?
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Sowing Seeds of Change: Kent Community Foundation's Inspiring Climate Journey
by Francesca Mereta, ECFI
Josephine McCartney, Chief Executive of Kent Community Foundation, shares some of the enabling factors that kicked off the organisation's whole climate journey.
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From a swinging focus to an intentional commitment: Novara Community Foundation climate journey
by Francesca Mereta, ECFI
Even though climate, in particular the environment, has always been a focus for the Fondazione Comunità Novarese (Novara Community Foundation), the organisation stepped up its commitment in the past few years. In this interview, Andrea Cognata, Culture and Environment Officer at Novara Community Foundation, shares in this interview what were the turning points in this journey, the challenges faced and the opportunities lying ahead.
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Bringing our best together: community philanthropy partnerships in a challenging world.
by Chris Worman, GivingTuesday
How what started as a one day a global digital campaign can encourage everyday local philanthropy.
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Romania’s Leadership Journey: fostering the power of shared learning for a new generation of leaders
by Monica Jac, Romanian Federation of Community Foundations
A Learning Journey for new community foundation leaders in Romania co-designed to help bring about personal, organisational and movement transformation
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From Awareness to Action: The Tot Raval's Climate journey – in dialogue with Mercé Garet
by Francesca Mereta, ECFI
Explore the insightful journey of Fundaciò Tot Raval, as revealed by Programme Coordinator Mercé Garet, on integrating climate action into the heart of Barcelona neighbourhoud's community foundation. Delve into their strategic steps, challenges, and aspirations to integrate the climate lens in their organisation.
More Information
The ECFI Knowledge Centre is a place where you will find information and resources for, and about, community foundations in Europe. No two community foundations are the same, but they share certain characteristics and challenges. The animation and publications below draw on our analysis of the field and consolidate learning. As the movement grows and matures in Europe we will continue to build our collective knowledge and will regularly add to the publications here.
