The goal of the workshop is to inform members of the European Parliament about the role of philanthropy in Europe, the current state of data on philanthropy, and to get legitimacy and support from the European Commission and the EU-Parliament to launch a “Giving in Europe”-study. Keynote speaker will be EC-Vice President Margaritis Schinas. The workshop is hosted by MEP Jeroen Lenears (European Peoples Party) and will take place on April 15, 10.30-12.00 (CET).
In only two countries in the world, the USA and the Netherlands, overall macro-economic research is conducted to estimate the philanthropic contributions by households, bequests, foundations, companies and charity lotteries. By mapping civic commitment at large these studies deliver the basic data to make philanthropy visible, tangible and accessible. These studies open doors for governments and philanthropic initiatives to get know each other, to meet and to see how to reinforce each other’s efforts.
The role and impact of the EU third sector has already been studied in ITTSOIN and TSI. With regard to the financial contributions some sub-studies are undertaken, like the “EUFORI Study” commissioned by the EC-DG R&I. This study mapped the philanthropic foundations in Europe that foster R&I by an annual budget of approx. 5 billion. The EC Horizon 2020 annual budget counts for 7 billion. Dafne estimated the total expenditure by public-benefit foundations on 60 billion.
However, overall data on private donations contributions is missing. ERNOP first preliminary data gathering in 2013, including households, legacies, foundations, companies and charity lotteries counted for 87,5 billion, a low bound estimation. This pilot also clearly proved that most data is not available.
If you have an interest to join this workshop and/or want more information, please contact ">Barry Hoolwerf.