EFA joins Philea to strengthen support for fundraising & philanthropy

EFA has partnered with Philea – Philanthropy Europe Association, joining as an associate member in a move that will enable EFA to significantly enhance its impact and effectiveness in promoting and supporting fundraising activities across Europe.

The partnership will strengthen EFA’s reach in three key ways:

1. Expanded network and collaboration: Philea brings together a diverse range of philanthropic organizations, foundations, and networks from across Europe. Joining it will enable EFA’s members to connect with a broader community of stakeholders, fostering collaboration and the exchange of best practices.
2. Enhanced advocacy and influence: Philea is known for its strong advocacy efforts at the European level. Contributing within Philea will enable EFA to amplify its voice and influence policymakers on issues related to fundraising and philanthropy, with the aim of helping to achieve more favourable regulatory environments and increased support for nonprofit organizations.
3. Access to resources and knowledge: Philea provides members with access to a wealth of resources, including research, toolkits, and training programmes. EFA will leverage these to strengthen its own capacity and support for members.

Cooperating on public affairs will be central to the partnership, and a first joint meeting was held in early April with this focus. EFA’s Public Affairs Working Group members are joining Philea’s Legal Affairs Committee to share their expertise and contribute to major current issues (such as the EU AML Package, and the European Civil Society Strategy), and to bring their perspective on fundraising issues.

Philea’s monitoring will eventually cover EU consumer rights texts that have an impact on direct and digital marketing (in particular), in addition enabling EFA to participate in increasing awareness and influence where regulation is concerned in this area.

EFA also fully supports Philea’s European Philanthropy Manifesto, which calls for a Single Market for Philanthropy and Public Good.

Laurence Lepetit, EFA board member with responsibility for public affairs, and CEO of France générosités, comments:

“Partnering with Philea brings additional strength and resource to both organizations that will benefit not only our members, but the wider fundraising community across Europe.

“At a time when the European civic space is shrinking and organisations, both associations and foundations, are being challenged in their vocations and models, it is essential to build strong cooperation between the fundraising and philanthropic sector.”