Today more than 16 countries have joined the European Day of Foundations and Donors, which aims to highlight the work of public benefit foundations in Europe and promote the idea of donating. Today foundations throughout Europe are hosting a wide variety of events and activities that tell the story of philanthropy and offer general public insights into the invaluable and diverse work of foundations. In Norway and Switzerland the national associations of foundations have organised public discussions about foundations. Foundations in Germany, Spain and Finland are hosting events and activities, inviting the public to learn more about their social impact.

Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, has high expectations for the European Day of Foundations and Donors: “Where engaged citizens act, a strong Europe can grow. Foundations are therefore an ideal place for public engagement. I am inspired by the idea of the European Day of Foundations and Donors—that day will make engagement of foundations throughout Europe visible.” The European action day was introduced by the Donors and Foundations Networks in Europe (DAFNE) for the first time in 2013 with 12 participating countries and more than 200 activities across Europe.

New data compiled by the Donors and Foundations Networks in Europe (DAFNE) and the European Foundation Centre (EFC) indicates that there are more than 114,000 “public benefit foundations” in Europe, with combined annual giving of more than 53 billion euros. These figures represent the first coordinated estimates ever produced on the scope of the charitable foundation sector in Europe, using a common, agreed-upon definition of “public benefit foundation” across 18 European countries. For more about the Donors and Foundations Networks in Europe, and the associations that are taking part in the European Day of Foundations and Donors, visit www.dafne-online.eu. Download more data about foundations in Europe here.

Donors and Foundations Networks in Europe (DAFNE) is a network with its own governance structure bringing together 24 donors and foundations networks from across Europe. With a collective membership of 6,200+ foundations, DAFNE underpins the individual activities of its members by strengthening collaborations between the national associations. The secretariat of DAFNE is hosted by the European Foundation Centre (EFC), an international membership association of foundations and corporate funders.