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Safe Spaces for Philanthropy 2027

Connecting research and practice through open dialogue

What can researchers and philanthropy professionals learn from each other when there is space to discuss difficult questions openly?

ERNOP’s Safe Spaces for Philanthropy bring together people working in philanthropy and those studying it for in-depth conversations about the challenges, tensions and opportunities facing the field. Combining research evidence with practical experience, these exchanges create opportunities to question assumptions, learn from peers and explore new approaches together.

A space for honest exchange

Building on previous editions, the 2027 Safe Spaces will centre on facilitated discussions in small groups. Each space will bring academic and practitioner perspectives into conversation, with participants actively contributing their own experiences and questions.

For philanthropy professionals, this offers an opportunity to reflect on challenges encountered in their work and consider what research can contribute. For researchers, it provides a setting to explore how their findings relate to practice and identify questions that deserve further investigation.

The emphasis is on dialogue, shared learning and time to examine issues in depth.

What do these conversations explore?

Earlier Safe Spaces have addressed questions that connect research with the everyday realities of philanthropy. Examples include:

  • Trust-based grantmaking: How can funders build more flexible and trusting relationships with grantees while addressing questions of accountability?

  • Justice in philanthropy: How can philanthropic practices contribute to greater social, environmental and economic justice?

  • Data sharing: What prevents philanthropic organisations from sharing data, and how could greater exchange support learning and collaboration?

  • The impact of volunteering: How does volunteering affect individuals, organisations and society?

  • The future of face-to-face fundraising: How are changing approaches to donor engagement shaping fundraising practice?

These examples illustrate the range of conversations the format makes possible. The themes for 2027 are still being explored and will be announced alongside the moderators as the programme develops.

Trust and participation

Open conversations require trust. Sessions will operate under the Chatham House Rule: participants may draw on what they learn, but may not disclose who made a particular contribution or identify other participants and their affiliations.

Following the approach of previous editions, participation is envisaged through a short application outlining your interest and potential contribution. Group sizes will be limited to allow everyone to participate meaningfully.

From conversations to policy papers

The exchange continues beyond the event. Discussions developed through AGAPE Europe and the Safe Spaces have informed ERNOP Policy Papers, bringing research and practical experience to a wider readership.

The papers explore themes including leadership, diversity and inclusion, relational philanthropy, justice, trust-based philanthropy and data sharing. They appear through different publication outlets, including Dialogues in the Journal of Philanthropy and Policy and Practice Papers in Voluntary Sector Review.

Together, they show how shared questions can develop into insights for philanthropic practice, public policy and further research.

Explore the ERNOP Policy Papers

Interested in participating?

Sign up to ERNOP’s mailing list to receive updates about the Safe Spaces for Philanthropy 2027, including the themes, programme and how to apply.

Joining the mailing list keeps you informed; it does not constitute an application to participate.