ERNOP Online Series 2025-2026
Faith and Philanthropy Beyond Institutions: Lessons from the Czech Republic
December 9, 2025, 10-11 (CET)
Speaker: Jakub Dostal and Vladimír Hyánek (College of Polytechnics Jihlava)
Discussant: tba
About this seminar:
This ERNOP Science and Society webinar will explore how faith, spirituality and religiosity shape philanthropic behaviour – especially in societies where traditional religion plays a less visible role. Many studies confirm a positive link between religiosity and philanthropy – but how does that work in countries where religion no longer follows conventional patterns?
The Czech Republic is often seen as one of the most secular societies in Europe. But is it really? Research suggests that while formal religious affiliation is low, many Czechs still believe in the supernatural, engage with spiritual ideas, and search for meaning beyond institutional faith. Instead of doctrine or church attendance, people value personal growth, hope, and authentic spiritual experience. So, how can we study the impact of faith on giving and volunteering in such a context? Are our usual research tools – like measuring church attendance – still valid? What does this mean for nonprofit professionals who want to connect with people’s values? Join us to rethink how we measure, interpret, and speak about faith in the philanthropic world – and what the Czech case can teach us about navigating spiritual diversity in modern Europe.
Drawing on our own research experience – including moments where our approach may have oversimplified the role of religiosity – we’ll reflect on what this topic means for the broader research field and invite discussion on how we can study it more thoughtfully in secular and post-secular contexts.
Registration will open soon.
About Jakub Dostál
Jakub is Programme Leader for Finance and Management and Assistant Professor at the College of Polytechnics Jihlava. A former practitioner and co-founder of the ADRA Volunteer Centre Brno, his research focuses on volunteering, nonprofit organisations, fundraising, and the role of public programmes in civil society.
About Vladimír Hyánek
Vladimír is an economist, university lecturer and researcher in the field of nonprofit organisations and civil society. His work explores how organisations build and sustain their capacity. He leads the Master’s programme at the College of Polytechnics Jihlava in Business Economics.
About the Department of Economic Studies, College of Polytechnics Jihlava
Founded in 2011, the ESSEC Philanthropy Chair at ESSEC College of Polytechnics Jihlava (est. 2004) is the only public higher education institution in the Vyso?ina Region, Czech Republic. The Department of Economic Studies offers bachelor’s and master’s programmes in finance, economics and management, and conducts applied research in sustainability and efficiency – including the role of volunteering, nonprofits and civil society. Current nonprofit research focuses on the value of volunteering, faith-based nonprofits, and the role of faith in philanthropic behaviour.