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)
About this seminar:
Faith and spirituality have long been recognised as drivers of generosity, empathy, and social engagement. But what happens when traditional religion loses its public role? How do people express meaning, hope, and solidarity outside organised religion—and how can philanthropy connect with these values?
This ERNOP Science and Society webinar explores the changing relationship between faith and philanthropy through the example of the Czech Republic, often seen as one of Europe’s most secular societies. Research by Jakub Dostal and Vladimír Hyánek (College of Polytechnics Jihlava) shows that while church affiliation is low, many people still hold spiritual beliefs, value personal growth, and act on moral convictions that inspire giving and volunteering.
Moderated by Sara Tesorieri, Senior Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy Adviser at Norwegian Church Aid, we will discuss what this means for philanthropic organisations and funders: how can they engage people whose generosity is guided more by spirituality than by religion? What language, narratives, and values resonate in such contexts?
The session will offer reflections from the Czech experience and invite participants to share perspectives on how philanthropy can navigate and embrace growing spiritual diversity across Europe.
Register for the webinar here.
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
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.
About Sara Tesorieri
Sara Tesorieri is Senior Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy Adviser at Norwegian Church Aid. Sara has more than 20 years of experience in humanitarian action, foreign policy, and EU affairs. She has worked in seven humanitarian responses across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America and on public policy in Washington, Brussels, and Oslo.
About Norwegian Church Aid
Established in 1947, Norwegian Church Aid is one of the largest aid organisations in the Nordic countries. Together with local communities and partners, we work in over 30 countries, providing emergency assistance during disasters, supporting long-term development, and addressing the root causes of poverty. Our vision is a just world.