ERNOP Online Series 2025-2026
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 2025-2026. 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 2025-2026
Decolonising Philanthropy: Shifting the Power vis a vis Strenghtening the Powers that be
November 12 (Wednesday), 2025, 10-11 (CET)
Speaker: Sara Kinsbergen (Radboud University Nijmegen)
About this seminar:
In this ERNOP Science and Society webinar, Sara Kinsbergen (Radboud University Nijmegen) presents insights drawing on recent research she and her colleagues conducted on citizen-led development initiatives in the Netherlands and their partnerships with organisations in Ghana, Kenya, and Burkina Faso. The study shows that inequality cannot be explained by financial resources alone. Instead, perceptions interact with funding practices to shape the reality of partnerships. The webinar will discuss what these findings mean for philanthropy. How can organisations and funders avoid reinforcing hierarchies while genuinely engaging with the grantees on an individual and organisational level? What kinds of conversations and practices can foster more authentic, equitable partnerships? And how can these practices become embedded within philanthropy?
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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)
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?
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The Art of Asking: Interaction and Reciprocity in the Cultural Sector
February 10, 2026, 10-11 (CET)
Speaker: Helleke van den Braber (Utrecht University)
About this seminar:
In this ERNOP Science and Society webinar, Helleke van den Braber (Utrecht University) explores the art of asking — the strategies artists employ to ask private benefactors for support while still protecting their credibility and sense of artistic legitimacy. Drawing on insights from a three-year research project funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, she will share fourteen concrete factors that shape artists’ decisions to approach individual donors.
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Philanthropies’ Capabilities in Addressing Global Problems: Mapping the SDG Landscape
April 14, 2026, 10-11 (CET)
Speaker: Dominik Meier (Center for Philanthropy Studies, University of Basel)
About this seminar:
Nearly a decade after their adoption, the UN Sustainable Development Goals have become widely recognized, yet progress toward achieving them by 2030 remains significantly off track. Nonprofit organizations and philanthropic foundations represent critical actors in bridging this implementation gap, given their unique positioning to mobilize resources, advocate for change, and serve vulnerable populations. This ERNOP Science and Society webinar will explore how the SDGs can serve as an organizing framework for understanding philanthropic activities and nonprofit missions, and demonstrate the various ways these organizations can contribute to achieving the goals.
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Power (In)balances between Civil Society Organisations and Grantmakers
June 9, 2026, 10-11 (CET)
Speaker: Floriant Covelli (The French Institute for Civil Society Organisations)
About this seminar:
This ERNOP Science and Society webinar explores power dynamics between civil society organisations (CSOs) and philanthropic actors. Drawing on insights from a working group convened by the French Institute for Civil Society Organisations to explore future challenges and knowledge needs of CSOs, Floriant Covelli will examine power dynamics and asymmetries between civil society organisations and grantmakers in the context of private giving.
For more information, click here.