This autumn the EFC took up residence at Philanthropy House (pictured) – a fully refurbished building in the heart of Brussels that promotes the understanding of, and recognition for, the work of the European philanthropic sector. Through lively debates, inspiring exhibitions, conferences, cutting-edge documentary screenings and much more, Philanthropy House aims to showcase the very best that the sector has to offer.

An initiative of the European Foundation Centre, Philanthropy House is the new hub for the sector, convening foundation, civil society and EU representatives committed to improving the world we live in. The building houses several philanthropic support organizations and as such is a repository of knowledge, expertise and resources on the sector. Assembling this eclectic mix of organizations under one roof also sends out an important message about the benefits of solidarity and cooperation at a time when these can seem to be in short supply.

A truly pan-European initiative, Philanthropy House was first conceived in 2009 by six leading foundations from across the continent who agreed on the need for a stronger sectoral presence in Brussels:

•    Fritt Ord Foundation (Norway)
•    King Baudouin Foundation (Belgium)
•    Körber Stiftung (Germany)
•    Realdania (Denmark)
•    Stichting Fonds 1818 (Netherlands)
•    Van Leer Group Foundation (Netherlands)

Each foundation provided mission-related funds to develop the House as a model for the future, a novel way of helping the philanthropic sector become more connected, visible and effective.

Additional funding for refurbishing the building has been generously provided by: Barrow Cadbury Trust (UK), Charles Stewart Mott Foundation (US), Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund (UK), Ford Foundation (US) and Stiftelsen Riksbankens Jubileumsfond (Sweden).

For more information
http://www.philanthropyhouse.eu
info@philanthropyhouse.eu

Winter issue of Effect focuses on ‘Philanthropy coming of age’
As the EFC settles into its new offices at the recently opened Philanthropy House, the winter issue of Effect takes time out to discuss how philanthropy is coming of age. It duly looks back at how far philanthropy has come, and the boundaries it has had to overcome, to focus on the key issue of how philanthropy could and should drive forwards to continue this trajectory of progress.

To download
http://www.efc.be/effect