Unlocking private capital for social good in Central & Eastern Europe: An exciting journey

Attending ERNOP’s 11th International Research Conference and Pre Conference in Zagreb, Croatia, was a truly inspiring experience. From engaging sessions to networking opportunities, this event showcased the power of philanthropy in driving social impact. The conference brought together researchers, practitioners, and thought leaders to discuss the pressing issues and grow the potential for transformative change. It was also an occasion to share exciting news: Social Impact Alliance for Central & Eastern Europe announced the completion of an extensive research spanning 4 years and 11 countries of the CEE region. The findings will be published this Fall.

Together with our Head of Research, Konrad Siwinski, I had the pleasure of presenting the report’s pre-premiere results during the ERNOP Conference, and receiving valuable feedback from the audience before the report’s full publication later this year. Our unique study, conducted in collaboration with key stakeholders and decision-makers across the region, aims to uncover the barriers preventing greater social engagement and provide recommendations for unlocking private capital for social good in Central & Eastern Europe for all sectors – public, private and social.

Professor Tobias Jung, the president of the European Research Network On Philanthropy, asked us in one of the sessions whether we are academics or practitioners. We are both. As practitioners with a research arm, we aim to provide valuable insights and recommendations by examining tax and legal aspects and other challenges faced by corporate and individual donors. What motivates capital providers (businesses, investors) to transfer funds and skills to impact providers? What is blocking them? Are the ecosystem builders (public administration, academia) offering supportive legislation and incentivizing taxation? Is there a pipeline of experts in this field? Are impact providers (nonprofits, social enterprises, startups) ready to come up with a good offer and, with time, become financially self-sustainable? And finally, are they all willing to cooperate with each other?

A journey through 11 countries

We will address these questions in the comprehensive analysis of the CEE region, taking readers on a journey through 11 countries of the region (Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia) and Ukraine. The research is based on 7,600 quantitative interviews and over 250 expert interviews with key stakeholders. We will provide findings and recommendations from three perspectives: country perspective, target group perspective, and knowledge area perspective. This multi-dimensional approach will offer actionable insights to drive positive change across the region.

Countdown to the official premiere

After the official announcement of the report at the 11th International ERNOP Conference, we are preparing the final premiere of the report this Fall. We will celebrate its release in one of the CEE countries with key regional, European, and global stakeholders from private, public, and social sectors.

While the full conclusions of the report are yet to be disclosed, we invite everyone interested in the region to explore the studies on the general public and national expert studies available free of charge on our website.

I hope that this report will serve as a reference point and a valuable source of information to decision-makers and everyone who wants to positively impact the region – philanthropists, businesses, investors, nonprofits, public administration, and academia. And I truly hope that our publication will enhance the discussion initiated at ERNOP’s Conference on the necessary transformational changes, not only in the CEE region.

Anna Korzeniewska, Founder of Social Impact Alliance for Central & Eastern Europe