Global Philanthropy

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Philanthropy in Europe - Edited by Norine MacDonald QC and Luc Tayart de Borms

By funding research into the history of European philanthropy for this book, the Mercator Fund has helped to document the tradition, history and diverse roles of philanthropy in Europe. The book intends to spark an ongoing debate as the sector strives to strengthen its relevance and make a real difference in a world that is becoming more complex than ever before.

As the title suggests, philanthropy in Europe is rooted in a rich past and is looking to a promising future. This book, comprising profiles and essays, showcases the diversity of philanthropic impulses, a leitmotif that has fuelled the dynamism of the sector throughout history. This dynamism continues today as it follows - and shapes - the contours of Europe's evolving social, political and economic fabric.

Throughout history, foundations have played a pivotal role in developing and strengthening European societies. By using a storytelling lens, this book explores how philanthropy has found its place in modern societies in different ways. It also introduces the reader to several thinkers in the field who offer valuable insights into the past, present and future of the sector. The authors take stock of the accomplishments of foundations, and also outline some of the challenges facing the sector - from without and from within. For example, the book makes a strong case for facilitating the sector's ability to participate effectively within the Single Market by implementing a European foundation statute. The authors also argue for foundations to become more European and more global, while working in closer partnership.

Philanthropy in Europe was launched at the Council on Foundations meeting in Washington DC on 5 May. The European launch will take place at the European Foundation Centre's (EFC) conference in Istanbul on 29 - 31 May. The book was funded by the Mercator Fund and the King Baudouin Foundation and published by Alliance Publishing Trust (APT).

Featured Profiles
- Stefan Batory Foundation, Poland
- Robert Bosch Stiftung, Germany
- Compagnia di San Paolo, Italy
- European Cultural Foundation, Netherlands
- Fondation de France
- Institusjonen Fritt Ord, Norway
- Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Portugal
- Impetus Trust, UK
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation, Greece
- Sabancı Foundation, Turkey
- Stephan Schmidheiny
- Van Leer Group Foundation, Netherlands
- Wellcome Trust, UK

Essays
- The diverse roles played by European foundations
- The rich history of philanthropy in Turkey: a paradox of tradition and modernity
- Encouraging change: European foundations funding research
- European foundations' support for civil society: a means to an end or an end in itself?
- Foundations and policy influence in Europe Engaged philanthropy and market-based solutions
- The importance of there being a European foundation statute

Contributors
- Filiz Bikmen
- Anna Cantaluppi
- Caroline Hartnell
- Diana Leat
- Wilhelm Krull
- Maximilian Martin
- Dianna Rienstra
- Gerry Salole
- Hildy Simmons
- Antonio Jose Teixeira
- Gottfried Wagner
- David Watkiss

> Download the book (PDF)