About the policy papers
ERNOP Policy Papers bring academic knowledge and practical experience together to address important questions facing European philanthropy. They explore how philanthropy works, its role in society, and the implications for philanthropic practice and public policy.
The papers emerge from the dialogue between researchers and practitioners developed through AGAPE Europe and ERNOP’s Safe Spaces for Philanthropy. Each paper is jointly written by an academic and a practitioner, combining research evidence with professional experience and drawing on the questions and perspectives explored together.
The papers appear in different publication outlets, including as Dialogues in the Journal of Philanthropy and Policy and Practice Papers in Voluntary Sector Review. They share a common goal: to make the exchange between research and practice accessible to a wider audience and contribute to informed debate and decision-making.
From dialogue to publication
The process begins with shared questions. At AGAPE Europe, representatives of philanthropy research centres and philanthropic organisations discuss challenges facing the field and identify priorities for joint exploration. These exchanges help shape the themes of ERNOP’s Safe Spaces for Philanthropy.
The Safe Spaces provide a trusted setting for academics and practitioners to examine these themes in greater depth. Discussions connect existing research with practical challenges, creating room to question assumptions, exchange perspectives and identify gaps in knowledge.
Academic and practitioner co-authors draw on this exchange to develop papers that bring the discussion to a wider readership. The publications extend the conversation beyond those who participated, highlighting insights and implications for research, practice and policy.
Explore the policy papers
Leadership
Searching for the North Star or how to navigate a boat with a fixed rudder through turbulent times
By Sufina Ahmad (John Ellerman Foundation) and Georg von Schnurbein (Center for Philanthropy Studies, University of Basel).
Abstract:
This piece of work aims to connect the governance and leadership levels of foundations with the demand to respond to the societal poly-crisis. Challenges such as climate change, migration, demographic development and economic debts cannot be solved on the level of a single country and, thus, call for joint action. Given the inherent independence of foundations, an analysis of how foundations can strengthen their contribution to solve the global poly-crisis has to begin with the single organisation, its purpose and its leaders. However, how feasible is it to evolve, transform even, governance and leadership in philanthropic organisations, which are often considered rather rigid and inflexible organisations? Based on arguments on governance and leadership of foundations from both the academic and the public debate, we formulate four propositions on how foundation leaders can adapt their foundation to the current societal situation. The propositions include aspects such as transparency, empowerment, sense making and leadership support.
Diversity and inclusion
From diversity to pluralism: Is everyone included?
By Maja Spanu (Fondation de France and University of Cambridge) and Laetitia Gill (University of Geneva, Philab at Université du Québec à Montréal, and Philanthropic Foundations Canada).
Abstract:
The article discusses the growing recognition of the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in the philanthropic sector internationally. It explores how diversity goes beyond being a simple ‘buzzword’ and instead reflects the complex demographics and social structures in society. The article emphasises the need for philanthropic organisations to adapt to the world’s complexity, and address power dynamics and discrimination in order to fully embrace diversity. The authors highlight concrete methods like diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) management that can be employed to foster more inclusive practices within organisations. They stress the significance of leadership vision and adaptability, as well as individual self-reflection, in making progress towards greater inclusion of the diverse voices that make up our societies. Importantly, the article suggests that embracing discomfort and adopting a posture of humility is key for growth and change within organisations. It discusses tools like the Wheel of Privilege and Power, which helps individuals understand their own privilege and position in society. The authors advocate for rigorously measuring diversity and discrimination in the workplace to develop action plans and implement concrete measures. They believe that research and practice should collaborate to collect and analyse data effectively. The article also mentions the need for collective and open conversations within the philanthropic sector, acknowledging historical inequalities and privileges. Overall, the article emphasises the importance of moving from diversity to pluralism in the philanthropic sector to ensure coherence and greater social justice in the pursuit of deep social change.
Relational philanthropy
In reciprocity, we trust: Improving grantmaking through relational philanthropy
By Janis Petzinger and Tobias Jung (both at the School of Business, University of St Andrews).
Abstract:
With a growing emphasis on empowering communities amongst the practices of philanthropic foundations, practitioners recognise the need for giving strategies grounded in communities of practice’s contextual and contingent knowledge. This bringing of beneficiaries’ lived experiences into grantmaking represents a wider recognition that sees gift-giving as a dialogical process that uses relationships with community beneficiaries as the point of departure for creating progressive forms of philanthropy, broadly referred to as ‘relational philanthropy’. Foundations that declare themselves as relational funders typically take a more trusting approach by offering more unrestricted, longer-term funding, simplifying reporting requirements, and empowering grantees to use the resources provided more flexibly. In this paper, we argue that relational philanthropy expresses a form of ‘relational work’, as it possesses a trust-based character that speaks to the reciprocal power of gift-giving, whereby both benefactors and beneficiaries receive value from the co-created, context-driven gift exchange: beneficiaries receive philanthropic resources (time, treasure, talent, ties) with more control over spending, while the benefactors gain grassroots insights that can inform future funding policies and practices. In this paper, we show that such reciprocity between funders and their beneficiaries is an important step towards empowering communities for three reasons: (1) by strengthening trust in, and sharing power with, their grantees, foundations empower them to engage more thoroughly with their communities; (2) by grantees communicating their community-level lived experiences to foundations, foundations can develop more informed and relevant grantmaking decisions, and; (3) as reciprocal exchanges are built on trust, this relational philanthropy creates social capital that strengthens relationships and solidarity across civil society.
Justice
Justice in philanthropy as problem spaces: reflections from research and practice
By Lesley Alborough (Bayes Business School, City St George’s, University of London) and Tobias Jung (School of Business, University of St Andrews).
Abstract:
Drawing on a scoping review and practice reflections, this article reframes justice in philanthropy as a set of four problem spaces that need addressing: just and sustainable systems change, equitable resource distribution, inclusivity and empowerment, and contextual sensitivity. We show how ambitions collide with portfolio realities, allocation rules, retained authority, and context-blind metrics, and encourage a tripartite focus on maintaining, relinquishing, and aligning to facilitate reflections and engagement with the area.
Trust-based philanthropy
Everyday organisational dilemmas and approaches when democratising philanthropy through trust-based philanthropy practices
By Ane Grubb (Velux Funden), Pamala Wiepking (Indiana University and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam), Sarah Rank (University of Queensland), Antonia Muhr (WU Vienna University of Economics and Business), and Lena Höpken (University of Hamburg).
Abstract:
This article examines trust-based philanthropy (TBP) practices as an alternative to short-term, project-based funding, which often perpetuates the non-profit starvation cycle. Drawing on academic literature and practice-based insights from Europe and the US, it explores incentives for adopting TBP and the dilemmas foundations face when selecting partners, cultivating trust, and exiting long-term relationships. The analysis highlights transparency, equity and accountability as critical factors for democratising grant making while addressing systemic challenges in philanthropic practice.
Data sharing
Transparency and data sharing in philanthropy: towards a data commons
By Lucia Gomez Teijeiro (Bern University of Applied Sciences and University of Geneva), Jack O’Neill (Philanthropy Europe Association, Philea), and Giuseppe Ugazio (University of Geneva).
Abstract:
Philanthropic data remains fragmented across organisations, jurisdictions, and reporting systems, limiting transparency, learning, and coordination. Drawing on interdisciplinary discussions from the ERNOP Safe Spaces 2025 roundtable, we examine data-sharing barriers and existing initiatives, identifying lessons and opportunities for future data infrastructures. Building on these, we derive design principles for an Open Philanthropy Data Commons: input flexibility, AI assistance, interoperability, and federated governance. Finally, we suggest an operational pipeline for implementation and close formulating further directions.