Author Archive:

James Magowan

Conference reports James Magowan 29 October 2022

Living the dream in Romania

Two days at the Romanian national conference for community foundations provided ample evidence of how a dream in 2006, to connect people, ideas and resources to enable communities to help themselves and achieve positive change, …

Conference reports James Magowan 1 February 2021

PEXforum 2021: All is present, all is here

PEXforum 2021 was like a pleasureable meander through an enchanting woodland. One where philanthropy support organisations are represented by the trees in the ecosystem – characterised by diversity in species but also their interdependence, and …

Opinion James Magowan 15 April 2020

A pivotal moment for community foundations

The Coronavirus crisis is impacting on community foundations in two ways – it is realising their potential to mobilise resources and reach people in need quickly, but it is also seriously testing their resilience. There …

Opinion James Magowan 3 March 2020

Embracing the SDGs is good for you

‘Connecting Community Foundations with the SDGs’, a recent ECFI publication, highlights the relevance of the work of community foundations to the SDGs and describes an approach to embracing the Global Goals at local level. ‘The …

Conference reports James Magowan 4 May 2019

Status quo is not an option: creating the networks we need for the 21st century

The status quo is not an option. Philanthropy Support Organisations (foundation member associations, networks, and advisory services) will have to adapt their form and function – even ‘re-invent themselves’ if they are to remain relevant …

Conference reports James Magowan 27 January 2019

DAFNE ‘hard-wires’ the circuit

Reflecting on a momentous year for DAFNE (Donors and Foundations Networks in Europe), at its recent Winter meeting in Dublin, its chair Felix Oldenburg, Director of the German Association of Foundations, said ‘Only a few …

Conference reports James Magowan 1 December 2018

Corporate foundations consider risks and opportunities

DAFNE held its third European Corporate Foundations Knowledge Exchange, in association this year with Assifero, in Italy, hosted by Fondazione Sicilia. Over 70 delegates from 11 countries participated. This Knowledge Exchange will be remembered for its …

Conference reports James Magowan 30 October 2018

Peeling the onion of Russian philanthropy: reflections on the Russian Donors Forum annual conference

Underneath the skin of the mighty onion of philanthropy in Russia lies another layer, and another, and another, each adding freshness and zest of an essential ingredient of the goulash of civil society. Proof of …

News James Magowan 13 October 2015

European foundation sector report highlights diversity

Across Europe organizations celebrated the work of philanthropy and foundations on European Day of Foundations and Donors earlier this month.  The day – 1 October  — highlighted the work of public benefit foundations in Europe …

Opinion James Magowan 17 June 2013

Funders for Impact – more to it than meets the eye

Focusing on impact – that is, the difference an organisation’s work makes to those it seeks to help – can help charities get better at what they do and reach more people, more effectively. Who …