EFC - Forum on philanthropy and research funding to be launched

Under the leadership of the EFC, key stakeholders will launch the European Forum on Philanthropy and Research Funding at a conference on 4 December in Brussels, Belgium. The Forum, established with the support of the European Commission and individual foundations, is a new platform to develop a European philanthropy research agenda to promote mutual learning, review best practices, and improve collaboration among key European foundations, the EU and the EFC.

The December conference will open the debate on the four focus areas of the Forum:
· the current research funding policies of philanthropic organizations;
· legal, regulatory and fiscal issues relating to donors and philanthropic organizations;
· governance and ethical issues relating to philanthropic support of research;
· fundraising by universities from philanthropic sources.

Foundations represent an important source of funding for some research activities, and they can have a qualitative impact on the direction and nature of research that is undertaken in Europe. However, until now relatively little attention has been paid at EU level to the role played by foundations that fund and operate research activities.

At the first-ever conference of its kind held in March 2006 on the subject of ‘Giving More for Research in Europe – Strengthening of the role of philanthropy in the financing of research’, the key message that emerged was that philanthropy can and should play a more purposeful role in boosting Europe’s research capabilities. The event was organized by the European Commission in cooperation with the EFC in Brussels.

Stemming from the recommendations of the expert group at that event, the need for a European Forum on Philanthropy and Research Funding was endorsed by the stakeholders.

For more information
To register, and for more information on the Forum and the conference, visit www.efc.be/research_forum or contact researchforum@efc.be

European Foundation Centre
Chief Executive: Gerry Salole
T +32 2 512 8938
efc@efc.be
www.efc.be
www.europeintheworld.info