A Gathering of Academics and Philanthropy Experts in Europe
AGAPE Europe brings together leaders of European philanthropy research centres and senior representatives from philanthropic organisations. Organised by ERNOP, it provides a forum to strengthen research capacity, exchange perspectives and develop shared priorities for research, practice and policy.
Through small-group discussions and interactive workshops, participants reflect on the changing role of philanthropy in society and explore how academic knowledge and practical experience can inform one another.
Connecting research and practice
AGAPE combines two complementary elements:
- Academic exchange: Research centre directors and chairs discuss organisational development, funding, teaching, doctoral training and opportunities for collaboration.
- Dialogue with philanthropy professionals: Researchers and practitioners examine challenges facing the field and identify questions that benefit from joint exploration.
These exchanges contribute to ERNOP’s Safe Spaces for Philanthropy programme. Previous conversations have also informed the Dialogue Paper Series in the Journal of Philanthropy and the Policy and Practice Paper Series in Voluntary Sector Review.
AGAPE Europe 2026 — Venice
October 2026 | Hosted by The Human Safety Net, in collaboration with Assifero
The Venice edition centred on philanthropy’s role amid geopolitical tensions, societal polarisation, shrinking civic space and growing scrutiny of its legitimacy. Keynote speaker was Alberto Alemanno from HEC Paris and founder of The Good Lobby.
The programme combined an examination of European philanthropy research—its institutions, knowledge and gaps—with dialogue between researchers and practitioners on shared priorities. These discussions were designed to inform the Safe Spaces for Philanthropy agenda ahead of the ERNOP Conference 2027.
AGAPE Europe 2024 — Vienna
September 2024 | Hosted by WU Vienna, in collaboration with Philea
The Vienna gathering explored the organisational capacity of philanthropy research centres and their engagement with the philanthropic sector.
Academic leaders reflected on their institutions and research priorities. The programme then brought researchers and philanthropy professionals together to consider how evidence could inform practice, drawing on the idea of Science with and for Society. Developed in cooperation with Philea, the practitioner exchange included keynote contributions from Rien van Gendt and Giuseppe Ugazio.
Participation
AGAPE brings together representatives of ERNOP’s institutional and associated institutional members, supporters, partners and invited organisations.
For information about participation or future editions, contact Barry Hoolwerf, ERNOP Executive Director, at .