European Philanthropy Research for Philanthropy Professionals
ERNOP Science and Society Seminar Series 2021-2022
This age is characterized by unprecedented challenges. The global pandemic, climate change, migration, polarization and the rise of artificial intelligence requires every societal actor, including philanthropy, to do better, more, or different.
An important source for innovation and growth comes from research and development. Members of ERNOP produce the best of research on philanthropy within the continent, but only limited output makes it to the board rooms, decision tables and policies of philanthropic organizations. The gap between production and usage of academic knowledge is a waste of valuable resources. With the ERNOP Science and Society Seminars, ERNOP takes the initiative to start building a bridge.
As research community we aim to contribute to society. The ERNOP Science and Society Seminars are a monthly series of online seminars in which researchers from ERNOP philanthropy research centres and academic chairs present their state of the art work through online presentations. Research centres are invited to share their work, keeping in mind the practical relevance and application of their research output. To make most of the seminars, ERNOP has invited representatives from Dafne, EFA, EFC, and CEV to participate in the initiative and discuss implications for practice. Also session participants are much invited to pose their questions and comments to make science to better address the challenges philanthropy is facing.
The seminars will cover a broad range of topics. The seminars will take one hour and consist out of a presentation, moderated discussion by a discussant and space for questions by the session participants. The seminars will be accessible for all interested and free to join. Let’s together make philanthropy better able to address the challenges of today and tomorrow!
Program 2021-2022
Sustaining voluntary energy
By Professor Lucas Meys from the Department of Business-Society Management at the Rotterdam School of Management
The philanthropy sector, nonprofit organizations, communities and society depend on volunteers. But are our expectations of volunteers realistic? In this seminar Professor Meys will present a new model to sustain, preserve and grow volunteer energy as a resource. He will describe how voluntary energy can be grown in society and recycled (circular instead of linear) within the sector, by highlighting the important role of volunteer managers as stewards of this valuable resource. More information here.
Engaging with family business
By Professor Peter Vogel from the Debiopharm Chair for Family Philanthropy at IMD Business School
The majority of firms around the world are classified as family firms. What motivates enterprising families to engage philanthropy? How to engage with family philanthropists or continue an effective collaboration? Based on more than 70 in-depth interviews with philanthropic families around the world, Professor Vogel will share his insights into the world of family philanthropy and what this could mean to the philanthropic sector. More information here.
Taxation, philanthropy and implications for practice
By Dr Giedre Lideikyte Huber from the Geneva Centre for Philanthropy at the University of Geneva
Having knowledge of tax issues may favour structuring and attracting funds for the benefit of philanthropic organisations. Also, as the tax treatment of philanthropic entities and transactions can be different from country to country and this could influence the choice of jurisdiction for philanthropic initiatives and avoid hurdles. Based on a recent report Dr Lideikyte Huber will share her knowledge in this seminar, and will also discuss as to why it is justified to grant tax reliefs to philanthropic initiatives, a fact which is sometimes questioned to the detriment of the non-profit field. More information here.
Indicators of stress and risk of financial vulnerability among voluntary organisations
By Professor John Mohan from the Third Sector Research Centre at the University of Birmingham
The present crisis has led to considerable concerns about the financial risks facing voluntary organisations, but we lack a firm evidence base about the nature of those risks. Based on financial data for over 100 000 charities in any one year in England and Wales, Professor Mohan well share his findings on what can be considered as ‘red flag’ indicators for charities. Next to a tool to charities, it enables funders to address which organizations might be at risk and therefore to enable them to identifying potential ways of supporting them. More information here.
Strategic giving revisited for France and Europe
By Professor Arthur Gautier from the Philanthropy Chair at ESSEC Business School
Much like how entrepreneurs and business leaders use a strategy to achieve their goals, philanthropists can also develop strategic thinking. The goal of this is to maximize the positive impact of the donation for its beneficiaries, the cause they are supporting, and society in general. In this seminar, Professor Gautier presents a philanthropic model that has been developed within the US to a French (European) context and explains how to develop a philanthropic strategy that can optimise one’s positive impact on society. More information here.
Impact investing: Moral option or obligation?
By Dr Volker Then from the Centre for Social Investment at the University of Heidelberg
Given the current emergencies, impact investing could (or should?) be considered an important driver of innovation within the philanthropy sector. Also, it becomes increasingly relevant to consider market actors themselves as contributors to the public good. Philanthropy sees itself in a new and challenging competitive situation. What are the responses on both sides, what are effective strategies available? This session does enable professionals within the European philanthropy sector to be better prepared for a discussion about the rigour and the standards applied to such market instruments aiming at the public good. More information here.
How to engage in impact investing?
By Professor Georg von Schnurbein from the Center for Philanthropy Studies at the University of Basel
This seminar on impact investing deals with the question, how foundations can use their capital in favor of their charitable purpose, instead of only using the returns of the capital. Based on the research done by the Center for Philanthropy Studies, Professor von Schnurbein will be your guide to impact investing and highlight the different aspects a foundation board has to test before starting impact investing. More information here.
Media perceptions of philanthropy
By Dr Beth Breeze from the Centre for Philanthropy at the University of Kent
Media coverage matters because it validates and affirms wider conceptions that are held in society. By drawing attention to the ways in which media representations can depict private giving as, at best, unusual and, at worse, intrinsically problematic, Dr Breeze explains how we can better understand why critiques of philanthropists are growing and are being well-received, despite the need for more and more effective giving. More information here.
The ERNOP Science and Society Online Seminar Series 2021-2022 is warmly endorsed by
