An earlier version of this article was first shared on September 15, 2015. It has since then been updated to include the latest information and we will attempt to continue to update the information as work progresses. Do keep checking in.

Recent pictures have brought to light the seriousness of the refugee crisis in Europe. Many actors in the philanthropy sector are quickly mobilising to gather and share information, make sense of whats going on, identify work on the ground that foundations can support and think about the best role (both immidiately and in the long run) that the philanthropic community can play.

There are atleast three initiatives currently where foundations can participate, contribute and benefit:

In recent years, dozens of countries that previously permitted foreign funding have adopted new laws  in order to block cross-border funds, often with the excuse of protecting security, economic interests or public morality, or preserving sovereignty.

Funders are invited to take part in a one-and-a-half day Workshop on Shrinking Space for Civil Society on 11-12th June in Berlin. The event is organized by the International Human Rights Funders Group and co-sponsored by Ariadne and the European Foundation Centre. It include a Networking Dinner on the evening of Thursday the 11th of June, after the first half-day. 

The workshop will bring together views from Civil Society (with voices from the countries where restrictions are in place and where civil society has successfully contested restrictions), Expert Advisers to support funders, and, for part of the meeting, Government Representatives.   

Please contact Sarah Tansey at [email protected] for more information.

This workshop is open only to grantmakers.

Each year foundations around the world fund efforts to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights. Advancing Human Rights: The State of Global Foundation Grantmaking provides the first-ever analysis of the scope and landscape of global human rights grantmaking.

Prepared by the Foundation Center and the International Human Rights Funders Group (IHRFG), Advancing Human Rights identified foundations in 29 countries funding human rights work in every region of the world. Their support totaled $1.2 billion, reached more than 6,800 unique organizations, and funded activities ranging from the right to peaceful assembly and association to freedom from violence to right to education.

- Read the press release
- Download the report
- Download the key findings