ERNOP Online Series 2026-2027
European Philanthropy Research for Philanthropy Professionals
What role for philanthropy in times of ongoing uncertainty? Erosion of social cohesion, climate change, artificial intelligence, migration, growing (wealth) inequality and deglobalization provide opportunities and challenges for the philanthropy sector.
In an inventory among the philanthropy sector at large, ERNOP has asked which questions that are on the agenda among Europe’s research centres and chairs of philanthropy should be developed into a Science and Society Seminar. With the ERNOP Science and Society Seminar webinars, ERNOP aims to continue building bridges between professionals working in, with and for philanthropy in Europe and the European academics studying philanthropy.
Join us to gain valuable insights and expertise in vital areas for philanthropy with experts from key research institutes in Europe in the ERNOP Science and Society Seminar Series 2026-2027. Continue the conversation at the coffee table and in the board rooms, and implement the knowledge in developing the policy of your philanthropic organization to be better informed to address the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Program 2026-2027
Understanding Legacy Giving: Motivations, Drivers, and Patience
September 29, 2026 10-11 (CET)
Speaker: Claire Routley (University of Kent)
About this seminar:
In this ERNOP Science and Society webinar, Dr Claire Routley (University of Kent) will explore why people choose to leave charitable legacies and what this means for fundraising practice. Drawing on her doctoral research into legacy giving motivations and almost two decades of experience working with charities large and small, the session connects the psychology of bequest decisions with the practical steps organisations can take to nurture these gifts.
For more information, click here.
Trust-Based Philanthropy as a Driver of Nonprofit Outcomes
November 24, 2026, 10-11 (CET)
Speaker: Silke Boenigk (University of Hamburg), Lena Michelle Höpken (University of Hamburg) & Eva Schneider (Wider Sense)
About this seminar:
This ERNOP webinar will explore trust-based philanthropy and its implications for funding relationships between nonprofit organisations and philanthropic foundations. Drawing on a research–practice collaboration, Silke Boenigk and Lena Höpken (University of Hamburg) and Eva Schneider (#TrustCreatesImpact / Wider Sense) present new empirical insights into how trust-based philanthropy shapes nonprofit outcomes.
For more information, click here.
What Motivates People to Volunteer: The Art and Science of the Ask
January 26, 2027, 10-11 (CET)
Speaker: Jörg Lindenmeier (University of Freiburg)
About this seminar:
In this ERNOP Science and Society webinar, Prof. Jörg Lindenmeier (University of Freiburg) will present findings on what makes volunteering appeals effective. Drawing on two conjoint studies with over 600 participants, the session explores which design attributes most strongly attract and motivate potential volunteers, and how these preferences differ across volunteer segments. The webinar will address questions such as:
For more information, click here.
The Insider Perspective on Foundations
March 30, 2027, 10-11 (CET)
Speaker: Michele Fugiel Gartner
About this seminar:
In this ERNOP Science and Society webinar, Dr. Michele Fugiel Gartner (University of St Andrews) will present findings from her research on the evolution of leadership roles at foundations. Drawing on her work with foundation leaders, she will address the following questions: How to navigate tension between executives and trustees in foundations?
What is the current state of formalisation in today’s foundations, and how does it shape the way these organisations operate? In the process of foundations’ evolution, have they become more open to newcomers?
For more information, click here.
Using a Number of Beneficiaries in Fundraising: Less is More?
May 25, 2027, 10-11 (CET)
Speaker: Dominik Meier (CEPS, University of Basel)
About this seminar:
In this ERNOP webinar, Dominik Meier, Senior Researcher at the University of Basel, presents findings from his study Compassion for All: Real-World Online Donations Contradict Compassion Fade. Drawing on data from almost 30,000 GoFundMe campaigns across four countries, the study finds a different pattern. This raises broader questions for fundraising practice. How should organisations present the people and communities they support? When should an appeal focus on an individual story, and when is it better to show a wider group? And how does an environment in which donors can choose between many different causes change what makes an appeal effective?
For more information, click here.