Sea change or hard to see change: Are foundations making enough of a difference?

Foundations in Europe seem to vary greatly on the charity to social change spectrum. But, in one way or another, do all foundations aspire to create sustainable change? Should they? This highly interactive session will examine how foundations look at themselves and will consider the question: ‘Do we understand ourselves to be change makers?’ This is not evident and is often the subject of heated debate. Even those who do see themselves as change makers seem challenged by foundations’ relatively insignificant position vis-à-vis markets and governments.

Based upon a survey of EFC members, this session will examine attitudes and practices surrounding the willingness and ability of foundations to create change in society. This session is brought to you by an enhanced team that in former AGA and Conferences has examined attitudes and practice around impact (Impact Island, 2011), risk (Risky Business, 2012) and good practice (From Good to Great, 2013). Come prepared to participate in the discussion!

The Working Group on Philanthropy for Social Justice and Peace along with the Bernard van Leer Foundation, EFC, Fondazione Cariplo, Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Cuneo, Global Fund for Community Foundations, LundbeckFonden and Stichting Fonds 1818 is thrilled to be cohosting this session at the upcoming EFC Conference in Sarajevo.

We hope to see you there at 14:30 pm on May 15, 2014.

Place: University of Sarajevo
Room: Tondach – 2nd floor