Raport 100 #nonprofitPL na LinkedIn, published by communications consultancy Instytut Dobrej Komunikacji, includes the 100 Polish nonprofits with the highest LinkedIn following, and a separate ranking of individual sector leaders.

Three fundraising figures

Three of the ten most influential individuals in the Social Justice & Philanthropy category for Poland are fundraising professionals, according to data from analytics platform Favikon, which ranks individuals based on factors including engagement and reach rather than follower count alone.

• Mirella Panek-Owsiańska, a fundraising advisor to NGOs, ranks third with 10,249 followers.
• Robert Kawałko, president and CEO of the Polskie Stowarzyszenie Fundraisingu (Polish Fundraising Association), ranks sixth with 5,835 followers.
• Fundraising consultant Katarzyna Konefał ranks eighth, with 10,813 followers.

The top position is held by Olga Kotyk, a social impact entrepreneur and CEO of the Web-Korki Foundation.

Women’s organisations lead the field

In the organizational rankings, five of the top six accounts by follower count work specifically on women’s empowerment and professional development.

Sieć Przedsiębiorczych Kobiet (Network of Entrepreneurial Women) leads the ranking with 41,000 followers, while Fundacja Kobiety Inspirują (Women Who Inspire Foundation) recorded the highest percentage growth of any organisation tracked, up 453% since the report’s previous edition in 2023, adding more than 24,000 new followers.

The report notes that women’s organizations not only attract large audiences but frequently collaborate with one another, amplifying their collective reach.

Paulina Kołodziejak-Łaska, marketing director at Sieć Przedsiębiorczych Kobiet, writes in the report:

“LinkedIn has become a key platform for consciously shaping career paths and strengthening market position. Networking on LinkedIn has stopped being merely about collecting contacts, and has become a process of building strong support networks.”

Beyond the women’s sector, education-focused organizations account for the largest single category by number of profiles in the top 100 (18), followed by technology (10) and sector or industry associations (10). The median follower count among the top 100 is 5,381.

Overall, tracked organizations grew by an average of 50% over the two-year period, though growth was highly uneven. The report’s authors note that follower count is not the sole measure of communications success, but offers a useful guide to which causes and approaches are resonating on the platform.

Photo by freestocks-photos on Pixabay

Companies donated 7.7 billion CZK, up from 6.7 billion CZK in 2023), while individual donors gave 3.9 billion CZK (a slight increase from 3.6 billion in 2023), and foundations and endowment funds 4.2 billion CZK (a significant increase from 3.8 billion in 2023).

The 2025 Donation Map focuses on the scope and trends of philanthropy in the Czech Republic. According to the Forum, the data confirms a long-term growing interest in supporting publicly beneficial projects across society, from foundations and endowment funds to companies and individuals.

Donor SMS

Another noticeable increase was recorded in DMS (SMS giving), due to the 2024 floods, raising 64 million CZK by sending almost 800 thousand donor SMS messages.

Overall, the Forum shares, since DMS launched in 2004, approximately 27.2 million donation SMS messages have been sent, with the total amount raised now exceeding 1 billion crowns for the first time. As well as one-off donations, it is possible to donate regularly through DMS, and to choose from six price levels, with two new price levels for one-time and regular giving introduced in September 2025: 290 and 490 crowns.

Foundations and funds

The Donation Map shows that there are currently 3,427 foundations and funds in the Czech Republic, distributing 4.2 billion crowns, of which 467 (14%) were established by companies and 2,960 (86%) by other entities. They most often support education, science and research (21%), followed by children, youth and family (15%), followed closely by culture and monuments (14%), assistance to the sick and disabled (13%), assistance to the socially disadvantaged (13%), and humanitarian and human rights (7%).

The number of foundations and endowment funds is rising – up by 191 year-on-year. The volume of distributed endowment contributions also continues to increase, shown by support from foundation entities reaching CZK 4.2 billion. This increase, the report says, is mainly due to non-corporate foundation entities. Overall, Czech foundations and endowment funds distributed CZK 400 million more than in 2023 (an increase of approximately 10.5%).

Klára Šplíchalová, executive director of the Donors Forum, said:

“The foundation sector in the Czech Republic has long shown that it is a stable and reliable partner for publicly beneficial projects. This year, support for foundations and endowment funds rose to 4.2 billion crowns, which confirms their growing role and responsibility towards society. However, for philanthropy to truly bring long-term effects, it must be sustainable – strategically planned, connected across sectors and focused on real impact.”

Motivations for giving

The biggest motivation for donating funds is how doing so makes people feel, cited by 81% of donors, while before giving, donors mainly consider who the money will help (68%) and how it will be used (61%).

Trust is also an important factor, and is growing: in 2023 60% of Czechs trusted the public benefit sector, rising to 63% in 2024. Personal experience with a collection or platform is important for approximately a third of respondents.

However, fraudulent and non-transparent collections are a significant risk: 24% of donors encountered these in the past year, the same as in 2023, according to the report.

Economic impact

More than a quarter of donors in the Czech Republic say they are donating less than before. The main reasons cited are a decrease in income or living standards and general price increases.

A fifth believe that in the current economic situation, the state should rather help those in need. A similar proportion of those surveyed are bothered by the fact that there are too many collections. For one in ten, the reason for limiting donations is a bad experience with a specific collection or collection platform.

Similar to 2023, only one in ten donors say they currently donate more than before, and this tends to be among regular donors. Almost half perceive helping others as even more necessary in the current economic situation, and for a similar proportion of donors, the main reason is an increase in income in the last year.

The data also shows that the most popular way to donate is to purchase a collectible item (73%). This is followed by online payment (70%), cash donation (58%) and donation SMS (49%).

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels

Poles share the same concerns as other Western European countries. Political polarization of society, the largest-ever wave of migrants from around the world, fears of new technologies, and difficult intergenerational dialogue – these are topics that constantly recur in conversations, social media, and public media. Add to this the three-year-long war in Ukraine and the question of whether Poland will also have to defend its independence.

Democracy in regression?

For almost a decade, Poland has remained one of the main examples of the erosion of liberal democracy in the European Union. Although the country regularly holds elections, the space for free public debate, independent institutions, and civic participation is gradually shrinking. Recent events since the 2025 presidential election shed further light on this phenomenon.

Procedural externals

Poland still meets the basic formal criteria of democracy: it holds elections, there is multi-party democracy, and society uses the internet and media freely. However, as observers note, democracy is becoming increasingly procedural – limited to electoral rituals, while weakening oversight institutions, civil rights, and real public influence on reality.

The recent presidential election, which ended with a narrow majority for the candidate supported by the right-wing opposition, sparked a wave of protests and accusations of irregularities. Although no systemic abuses were proven, the scale of mutual undermining of legitimacy and the use of conspiratorial language on both sides of the political spectrum are symptoms of a deeper crisis of trust – not only in political rivals, but in the democratic process itself. Incumbent Prime Minister Donald Tusk made an unsuccessful attempt to persuade the Marshal of the Sejm to prevent the swearing-in of the new president. The term “coup d’état” is used daily across all instances, and the prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into the matter. In short, a war between two tribes is underway. We know this from many countries around the world. There is even a view that nations no longer exist, replaced by two warring civilizations. Institutions in chronic conflict.

The persistent conflict between the government and a president elected from a different political camp deepens the phenomenon of a “blocked state” – a situation in which institutions are unable to effectively cooperate. This blocks key reforms and increases systemic tensions. Authorities accuse each other of violating the constitution, further undermining the authority of institutions such as the Supreme Court and the National Council of the Judiciary.

The atrophy of public media and civic discourse

Public media in Poland, for years governed by the political lines of successive governments, have ceased to function as impartial sources of information. After the centrist-liberal camp took power in 2023, attempts were made to implement a “media reset,” but these actions were often as politically motivated as the previous interventions. As a result, both right-wing and liberal voters increasingly perceive the media as a propaganda arm of the party. The public’s attention is shifting to the internet, where more and more channels with millions of followers are flourishing. The tentacles of political parties do not reach there, and the fight for reach forces them to speak with greater purpose.

Meanwhile, non-governmental organizations, especially those working on human rights, climate, and migrant issues, continue to operate in a climate of uncertainty. After years of open hostility from the conservative government, they now have to cope with the lack of a long-term cooperation strategy from the new authorities and limited access to stable funding. Polish NGOs already know that if they become too close to the ruling party, they will face lean years after the change of power. Therefore, few organizations are willing to take sides. Most choose neutrality, focus on their mission, and avoid conflict.

Civil society doesn’t give up

Despite these challenges, Poland still boasts an active civil society, independent judges, vibrant digital media, and local grassroots initiatives. Democracy in Poland continues to balance between formal pluralism and an increasingly polarized, distrustful society.

The shrinking democratic space in Poland is not a spectacular decline, but a gradual degradation of trust, cooperation, and informed debate. In a world of intense polarization, fragile institutions, and the politics of conflict, democracy must regain its original meaning. Poles, like many other nations, must learn to respect differing beliefs. They must learn to create a diverse community that can work toward common goals and respect the will of the majority. Poles have always been able to unite when faced with a common enemy – this was true during wars; this was true under communism. Back then, all quarrels were secondary, and people were able to reach an understanding. Now the challenge is to make this happen in times of peace.

Picture by Natalia Gasiorowska on Unsplash

The name of the event was not chosen at random. It took place at the Norblin Factory, the headquarters of Allegro, Poland’s largest e-commerce platform, which has been systematically supporting fundraising in Poland for many years.

Over 30 fundraisers from large and small organizations in Poland took part in a free class and workshop on storytelling led by Mirek Ubran, expanding their skills in this key area of their work. There was also time for networking.

Polish Fundraising Association vice president Agata Wiencis said:

“Although gaining knowledge was an important goal of the meeting, it was equally important for the members of the association to meet each other in real life and exchange experiences. Regular online contact is important, but it is only when we meet face to face that real relationships are formed. That is why the Polish Fundraising Association is already planning the next editions!”

Main picture by Startup Stock Photos on Pexels

Fundraising in Challenging Times takes place from 9am on 5 June Sofia Balkan Palace Hotel in Bulgaria. The event is initiated by the Fundraising Club Bulgaria and organized by the Bulgarian Center for Not-for-Profit Law in partnership with EFA and with the financial support of the European Union and the America for Bulgaria Foundation.

Speaking about the conference, Neli Kocheva, Head of Development at Teach For Bulgaria and member of Fundraising Club Bulgaria said:

“The upcoming Fundraising in Challenging Times conference is an essential opportunity for professionals from both the NGO sector and socially responsible businesses to come together, learn from international speakers, and share local success stories and best practices in sustainable fundraising and meaningful giving.

“In a world full of challenges, it’s more important than ever to collaborate and discuss how we can continue to add value to society. This conference will provide invaluable insights from global experts on effective fundraising in tough times. Attendees will gain fresh perspectives, build meaningful partnerships, and leave with actionable strategies to navigate these challenges and create lasting impact.” 

Taking place in English as well as Bulgarian, and providing networking opportunities alongside the programme of sessions, international participants are encouraged to attend, as well as fundraising professionals and grassroots organizations from Bulgaria, Central and Eastern Europe.

The conference programme

The programme will combine general panel presentations and parallel discussions focusing on:

Opportunities and threats for philanthropy now 

• Social and environmental impact of giving in CEE countries

• The power of cross-sectoral partnerships

• Inspiring approaches to raise funds for difficult causes and overcome the challenges

 Digital mobilization for democracy 

• Contemporary digital platforms, models and innovations supporting CSOs in crowdfunding, networking and capacity building

• Branding and building flexible fundraising strategies for better donor engagement

• Campaigning and storytelling for difficult causes

Fundraising & mobilization of local communities  

• Effective fundraising for watchdog activities

• Engaging major donors in protecting democracy

• The power of cross-sectoral relationships and tools to implement fundraising campaigns

The power of philanthropy to solve socially important issues  

• The contemporary strategies of donor foundations to support the CSO community

• The nowadays look of corporate giving

• Inspiring showcases of Bulgarian philanthropists and fundraisers

Who’s speaking?

Speakers include:

Dilyana Maneva, deputy executive director at For Our Children Foundation and member of Fundraising Club Bulgaria commented:

“The International Fundraising conference marks a turning point for the nonprofit sector in Bulgaria. It creates an opportunity for our sector to build the skills, networks, and mindset needed for long-term success. By investing in our fundraising capacity, we are investing in our independence, our sustainability, and ultimately, in the future we want to create. I believe it will inspire a new chapter of professional growth and collaboration in the nonprofit community in the region and I am proud to stand alongside so many dedicated colleagues who are shaping a stronger, more impactful civil society.” 

The full programme, registration details and tickets are available here.

About Fundraising Club Bulgaria

The Fundraising Club Bulgaria is an informal network of experts committed to raising donations for civic causes. Its mission is to unite the community of fundraising professionals in Bulgaria, to positively influence the philanthropic environment by sharing best practice in philanthropy and volunteerism, and to promote ethical behaviour.

Analysis for the Government of tax return data, combined with data from donation platforms Darujme.cz and Donio.cz, shows that a total of CZK 12.5bn was declared in tax returns in 2022, an increase from CZK 4.4bn in 2012.

Two thirds of the 2022 total comes from gifts given by a total of 32,000 companies, with the rest from individuals. As two-thirds of Czechia residents do not file tax returns, the researchers suggested that total individual giving is likely to be around CZK 10bn, meaning an overall total of CZK 18bn or more.

The researchers say that because 2022 giving was particularly motivated by support for Ukraine, following the Russian invasion, the figures for 2023 will be slightly lower. However, data suggests that the total number of donors continues to increase, even if average donation size has decreased, most likely due to cost-of-living pressures.

The data also shows that since 2012, the number of individuals deducting tax in lieu of donations in their tax return has grown from 6.4% to 10.2%.

It notes too that companies based in Prague, the capital city, account for half of all corporate donations in 2022. However, only 4% of companies registered there made a donation: one of the lowest rates of any region in the country.

In 2023, the average single donation across the two fundraising platforms studied was CZK 655 (€26), with donors averaging two to three donations per year.

This data, the first of its kind gathered in the country, will support the growth of the sector. Klára Šimáčková Laurenčíková, Government Commissioner for Human Rights, comments:

“This data will allow us to better understand the dynamics of donations and more effectively support private donors and the nonprofit sector.”

Jana Ledvinová, director of the České centrum fundraisingu (Czech Fundraising Center), adds:

“With more and more nonprofits in Czechia beginning to think seriously about fundraising, and running sophisticated and successful campaigns, it is a really exciting time in the sector. There is an opportunity to build a culture of giving, in which the people of Czechia will be able to contribute and see the impact they are having on the many nonprofit organisations doing fantastic work across the country.”

Picture by Radek Kozák on Unsplash

The event, the second to focus on fundraising capacity building, was organized by the Academy of Civic Organizations Foundation (FAOO) in collaboration with the Slovak Fundraising Centre, and with the financial support of the Active Citizens Fund, funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

Three key themes

25 attendees, from Poland, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Slovakia, Sweden, and the UK, gathered over two days on November 7 and 8. Following the first expert seminar in 2023, this time sessions took place around three key themes: AI Insights: Unlocking New Dimensions in Fundraising; Grassroots Fundraising & Mobilisation: Building Trust and Independence; and Philanthropy in Uncertain Times.

Day 1 focus: growing fundraising income; AI benefits & risks; grassroots fundraising & mobilisation

The learning journey began with a session entitled: Great Fundraising: What Does It Take to Double, Triple or Even Quadruple Your Fundraising Income, presented by Prof. Adrian Sargeant and Dr Jen Chang from the UK’s Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy.

The second part of the day focused on AI, including how it can provide deeper information about donors and help fundraisers better understand their motivations. How AI may personalize the donor experience and help to optimize fundraising campaigns was also discussed, along with the risks it brings into fundraising. Illuminating talks were given by Kateřina Švidrnochová, Masaryk University – Brno on Fundraising in the AI Era: Strategies, Tools, and Case Studies, and Piotr Bilik, Stowarzyszenie Otwarte Klatki on AI in Action: Enhancing Fundraising Efforts to Improve the Lives of Factory Farmed Animals.

In the afternoon, discussions turned to the topic of grassroots fundraising and mobilisation, looking at best practices and strategies for mobilizing the public and fostering grassroots fundraising as a response to non-transparent public funding practices or whims of the rich.  Whether mass mobilization can bring money that matters was also discussed, along with whether grassroots fundraising contributes to the independence of the civic sector.

Konstantina Papadimitriou from Inuksuk Consulting presented on Solidarity Trips: Engaging Donors Through Volunteer Experiences; Zuzana Suchová & Ivan Zaťko from Donio Slovensko on Raising Voices: Crowdfunding for Democracy, Rule of Law, and Independent Media in Slovakia; and Björn Lampe, from Denmark’s betterplace.org spoke on How to Raise 1.5 Million EUR in 48 Hours: the Potential for Grassroots Fundraising in the Creator Economy.

The first day ended with a panel discussion, providing both panellists and audience with the opportunity to share ideas, hopes and concerns about the future of philanthropy.

Day 2 focus: exploring the challenges faced by organizations supporting nonprofits

Day two focused on challenges faced by specialists who support nonprofit organizations in their fundraising capacity building, and explored strategies and tactics for surviving, developing, and thriving. Those attending explored critical questions related to professional development in an interactive session, including how to effectively keep pace with the evolving needs of clients (nonprofit organizations) and respond to them.

Participants also had a chance to identify and articulate their own educational needs to help them find the best way to enhance their competencies, and ultimately be ready for the future.

The final session saw the event close with a discussion on key findings and recommendations.

Commenting on the event, FAOO’s Andrzej Pietrucha said:

Photos by Marek Rozwadowski

An article on the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ECNL) website says that for several years, there had been “harassment and attacks on civil society organisations (CSOs) from both the legislature and the executive”.

In 2022, the Government signalled its intention to improve dialogue between the sectors and increase participation of civil society in decision making. A Council for Cooperation and Civil Society Development was then established in the country in September 2023, and met for the first time on 5 December.

ECNL supported the process of developing and launching the council, having received funding from the United States Agency for International Development and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, to support its work in Serbia.

ECNL says that it is “excited about the Council’s future work to genuinely support civil society development and dialogue with diverse sectors”.

Broader concerns

Despite this cause for hope, there are signs of ongoing hostility from the Government.

Three days after the new council’s first meeting, Katarina Kitanovic from Human Rights House Belgrade said that those defending human rights in the country “do not have public support from the state authorities”. Instead, the authorities were continuing “terrible attacks” against them, according to Kitanovic.

Similar concerns are felt across the region, such as in neighbouring Hungary. According to Philea, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on 18 January 2024 to express its concern about the further erosion of democracy in the country. That resolution also recognises systemic discrimination against civil society, as well as other groups such as academia and journalists, in the country.

And as Fundraising Europe reported earlier this year, CSOs in Hungary’s northern neighbour Slovakia are also facing several threats to their independence and funding from the country’s new government.

There is nonetheless some optimism for nonprofits in the region; last year Fundraising Europe highlighted a report suggesting that there was potential to nearly double the level of charitable giving in the Central and Eastern Europe.

Picture by ivalex on Unsplash

But civil society organisations, as well as public bodies, Governments and other groups, must evolve and collaborate in order to maximise the sector’s potential social impact, says the Social Impact Alliance for Central & Eastern Europe.

Its report, ‘Unlocking Private Capital for Social Good in Central & Eastern Europe’, provides an overview of the state of civil society, economic conditions and barriers to increasing donations, in 11 CEE states. This includes annual donations – which at the moment total €2.74bn across the region, but have the potential to grow to €5.47bn, according to researchers. Bulgaria, Croatia, Latvia and Slovenia are seen as the countries with the highest potential percentage growth, the report says.

While Ukraine is not one of the 11 countries in the report, it does include a chapter on the country, and lessons that can be learnt from reactions to the Russian invasion.

The report says that the three greatest barriers to increased donations from the public are the rising cost of living; a lack of communication from nonprofit organisations about their needs; and a lack of easily accessible sources of information about giving.

The report, the culmination of three years of research, thousands of interviews, and 230 meetings across the region, should be considered “a roadmap to a more sustainable future of the region and its citizens”, according to the think tank.

It finishes with key recommendations for nonprofit organisations, the public sector and Governments, academia, and business. The recommendations for nonprofits are:

1. Develop internal capacity
2. Diversify funding sources
3. Be transparent, clearly define and report activities
4. Promote tax incentives among donors
5. Encourage various forms of support

For public sector and Government, recommendations include the importance of creating a national strategy for the sector, simplifying tax and legal systems, and offering funding to improve capacity of impactful organisations.

The report also looks at the role of business in delivering social impact, and suggests that because the economies of these formerly Soviet states are still relatively young, the pursuit of profit remains a central priority for businesses and investors. This hinders the adoption of a more socially responsible approach, it argues.

Anna Korzeniewska, the founder and CEO of Social Impact Alliance for Central & Eastern Europe, says:

“Central & Eastern Europe is facing a pivotal moment, brimming with opportunities and challenges. After approximately 30 years of a free market economy, both individuals and companies now possess the means and willingness to contribute. With the right incentives, individual giving could nearly double. However, there are also challenges that need to be addressed.

“I strongly believe that cooperation, education, and solid partnerships are key to addressing the region’s social and environmental challenges. Reliable data bolsters the region’s strategic sphere, serving as a reference point for further action. While much work lies ahead, I am optimistic that our collective efforts will accelerate transformative changes in the CEE region.”

The two-day event, held on 25 and 26 May, aimed to facilitate knowledge exchange, foster collaboration, and enhance fundraising capacity among specialists supporting civic organizations in the region. The event was organized by EFA member Academy of Civic Organizations Foundation (FAOO) in Poland; the Association for Civil Society Development (SMART) in Croatia; and the SOLIDARNA Foundation for Human Rights and Solidarity, also based in Croatia.

The seminar aimed to address fundamental questions regarding fundraising capacity building and the implementation of effective procedures and tools within organizations. The event sought to facilitate information and idea exchange, strengthen competencies, develop effective fundraising strategies, and explore the social and economic environment affecting fundraising in the CEE region. Namely, fundraising plays a pivotal role in the independence and development of the third sector, particularly in times of unpredictable crises.

Fundraising in depth

The introductory session on first day featured several presentations and discussions on various topics related to fundraising. Richard Docwra from ChangeStar (UK) delivered a talk on fundraising from individuals, sharing five lessons from the UK context. This session was followed by a Q&A session. Eduard Marček from the Slovak Fundraising Centre discussed the availability of relevant data for fundraisers and where to find it. Marina Škrabalo from SOLIDARNA Foundation for Human Rights and Solidarity talked about current philanthropic trends in Croatia and lessons learned from the recent crisis period. Giedrė Šopaitė-Šilinskienė from Fundraising@LT provided an overview of the fundraising sector in Lithuania.

The following session focused on mapping fundraising strategies, methods, and tools. Zoran Grozdanov from the Center for the Culture of Dialogue shared the story of “My Place Under the Sun” and discussed cross-sectoral alliances as anchors of financial sustainability. Jan Gregor from Svět Neziskovek talked about resilient NGOs and Marianna Wartecka from Ocalenie Foundation discussed corporate fundraising for refugees.

The day ended with a foresight session in groups, where participants discussed the future of fundraising in CEE countries and identified possible scenarios, developments, threats, and opportunities. Breakout sessions were organized to set up working groups for the next day, and participants were encouraged to select topics for further discussion.

Photo by Maciek Jóźwiak & Anna Liminowicz

Insights shared on challenges and opportunities

The second day of the seminar enabled small group discussions on challenges and opportunities related to provision of fundraising training and consultancy and promotion philanthropy through communication, donor engagement and advocacy.

The discussion on challenges faced in providing fundraising consultancy support highlighted several issues – the prevalent “free of charge” culture in the NGO sector; managing freelance consultants through an agency; ensuring programme quality through certification and promoting national standards; consultant as well as client burnout; and the importance of setting boundaries, training and retaining junior consultants.

To improve the quality and impact of fundraising consultancy support, several strategies were proposed. There is a clear need for addressing the “free of charge” mindset in NGOs, managing client expectations and establishing clear boundaries between consultants and client organizations. Further branding of fundraising can be achieved through success stories, media outreach and promotion of quality standards in the sector. Greater effectiveness of fundraising support can be achieved by conducting regular needs assessments, knowledge sharing among consultants and partnerships with academia, continuous training opportunities, development of certified programs with materials in national languages and more dynamic regional networking and collaboration among fundraising experts.

The group discussion on effective communications emphasized the importance of producing compelling content that resonates with individuals and companies beyond existing support circles. This can be achieved by highlighting the impact of philanthropy and showcasing success stories.

Strategic collaboration among donors was identified as a pivotal means to enhance communication efforts and expand the overall pool of contributors. Segmenting audiences and employing various frames of reference were deemed crucial in tailoring messages effectively. Different target groups respond to different messaging approaches, such as moral obligation, catalyst for innovation and development, lasting lifestyle practice, tool for additional private funding of public responsibilities, or even a political act. Incorporating activities that actively involve people and add value to their lives was encouraged to encourage philanthropic participation. Special focus should be put on engaging youth concerned about climate action and social impact. Additional attention should be paid to ways we accommodate the preferences of “introverted” donors who prefer anonymity or private engagement.

The group discussion also emphasized the need to address potential threats to public trust in philanthropy, such as incidents of fraud. Cultivating a culture of transparency among donors and consistently highlighting the positive impact of philanthropy on societies can help mitigate such concerns and maintain public trust.

The event received financial support from the Active Citizens Fund, funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway through the EEA Grants and Norway Grants 2014-2021.

Photos by Maciek Jóźwiak & Anna Liminowicz