CF2CF Exchange Programme 2025 – Call for Applications 

ECFI is offering financial assistance of up to 3,000 € for a limited number of exchanges in 2025. 

The knowledge and experience that we have in the community foundation field, of over 800 community foundations in Europe, is our most valuable asset. Peer to peer exchanges between community foundations and support organisations exchanges provide the necessary framework and space for a fruitful mixture of communication, learning and sharing of experiences.  

The CF2CF Exchange Programme supports cross-border exchanges between community foundations (CFs) and community foundation support organisations (CFSOs) to promote mutual learning and deepen collaboration.   

Peer-to-peer exchanges between community foundations (CFs) and community foundation support organisations (CFSOs) create the essential framework and space for a productive blend of communication, learning, and experiences. These exchanges serve as a 'real-life social laboratory,' fostering experimentation and, ideally, impactful results. While outcomes may not always be easily classified or defined, they consistently support participants and their organisations in learning, growing, and strengthening their communities. By addressing key challenges across Europe and beyond, these exchanges help organisations build resilience and drive meaningful change. 

The CF2CF Exchange Programme specifically supports cross-border exchanges to enhance mutual learning and deepen collaboration, with an emphasis on building lasting relationships and shared learning between CFs and CFSOs. Through these exchanges, we aim to cultivate enduring partnerships and create a sustainable network of community foundation practitioners. 

Programme Goals 

We welcome exchanges that: 

• Support peer-to-peer exchanges between CFs and CFSOs to strengthen their organisational capacity, inspire innovation, and share best practices. 
• Facilitate cross-border collaborations that allow CFs and CFSOs to address shared challenges and leverage complementary strengths. 
• Create a sustainable and impactful network of CF practitioners across Europe, enabling them to build collective solutions to common issues. 

This year, we will give priority to exchanges focusing on the meaningful engagement of young people (under 35) within CF operations and governance, fostering inclusivity, intergenerational collaboration, and lasting impact in community-building efforts. 

Eligibility and Scope 

CF2CF exchanges are designed to improve participants’ understanding the work of community foundations through on-site visits, meaningful dialogue, and shared experiences, that can lead to continued professional relationships and friendships, contributing to both personal and organisational growth. 

• Number of participants: Groups of approximately 3-5 people are typically involved in an exchange, although larger groups or/and online formats can be accommodated to meet specific learning objectives. 
• Eligible Applicants: Both the applicant and partner organisations should be located within the broad cultural and geographical scope of Europe. The programme is open to practitioners from existing community foundations, emerging initiatives, and groups working to establish community philanthropy. Eligible participants include executive directors, staff members, volunteers, founders, and board members. 
• Reciprocal approach: Exchanges are designed for mutual learning, and we encourage reciprocal visits where an initial exchange from country A to country B is followed by a return visit. Exchanges may also include multiple engagements within the same agreement, fostering deeper understanding and sustained partnerships. 
• Repeat visits: Exchanges are not limited to one-time engagements and can be repeated under the same agreement if desired. 
• Focus on practice: Participants should be active practitioners in community foundations or community foundation support organisations, including staff, board members, founders, or volunteers. 
• Self-organised partnerships: Participating organisations are responsible for selecting suitable partners. ECFI can assist with introductions within our network. 
• External Expertise and Facilitation: The exchange may involve external specialists, facilitators, or other contributors as needed to support and advance the programme’s objectives and the targeted learning outcomes of the participating organisations. 

Application Process 

The application process is designed to identify exchanges that offer high potential for impactful learning and ongoing collaboration. Applications are assessed on the following criteria: 

• Coherence and clarity: The exchange must have a clear purpose, goals, and expected outcomes. 
• Potential for long-term, sustainable partnerships: Applications that encourage regional collaboration, particularly between neighbouring organisations, are especially valued. 
• Relevance of proposed agenda: The agenda should align with the objectives of CF2CF Exchange Programme and address timely and relevant topics in the context of community foundations. 
• Practical focus and feasibility: The sequence of planned activities should be realistic, effective, and structured to ensure impactful exchanges. 
• Cost-effectiveness: Budgets will be evaluated for cost-efficiency and appropriate allocation of resources. 

Funding 

Each approved exchange may receive funding of up to 3,000 €, covering essential costs such as travel, accommodation, and other exchange-related expenses. Co-funding options are encouraged to maximise the exchange’s impact. Planned activities should be completed by the end of November 2025. We encourage creative approaches to co-funding to enhance exchange experiences. 

Reporting and Dissemination 

Participants are required to submit a programme and financial report within two months of completing the exchange, capturing insights, shared learning, and next steps. Public sharing of experiences through social media, blogs, or publications is also encouraged. 

How to Apply 

The application process is open now and will remain open until the budget is allocated, and not later than 28 February 2025.  To apply complete this online form and submitting via e-mail a budget proposal (a sample budget is available for reference). Should you have any questions or require assistance, please feel free to contact Kamil Szlosek kamil[at]communityfoundations[punkt]eu  directly. 

Background

CFs in Europe are a heterogeneous group of philanthropic organizations, although with many common features and characteristics. Diversity in their context, form and function is not only a challenge both practically and intellectually, but also represents potential for learning and advancement for the field. By understanding how others react in a certain situation, we can extend our range of options for similar challenges in our own environment.

At ECFI we are interested in supporting well-thought and good quality exchange program that enhances mutual learning on how community foundations can better address key challenges of our times in their particular contexts.

The CF2CF exchanges are offered to CFs and CFSOs in Europe as a part of the European Community Foundation Initiative (ECFI). The funding has been generously provided by the C.S. Mott Foundation.