What are philanthropy infrastructure organisations?
Philanthropy infrastructure organisations (PIOs) are the connective tissue that holds the philanthropic ecosystem together. Though often working behind the scenes, their roles are central to enabling philanthropy to thrive, collaborate and achieve impact at scale.
The insights presented in this section have been collected from gatherings of the European PIO community and through two surveys conducted among 25 of Philea's PIO members in 2023 and 2025.
Philanthropy infrastructure organisations (PIOs) are the backbone of the sector, enabling foundations and donors to maximise their impact for society. They do this by both supporting philanthropic organisations and proactively sensing the needs of the sector. They actively orchestrate networks; foster learning communities; generate and provide knowledge & expertise; incubate ideas; develop their own programmes; advocate for appropriate legal frameworks; and ultimately unlock the potential of philanthropy in all its diverse identities and approaches.
By convening the multitude of actors and reinvesting legitimacy, relationships and knowledge back into the ecosystem, PIOs empower their direct constituencies and serve the broader sector as catalysts for long-term transformation.
Compass
Philanthropy infrastructure serves as a compass – helping funders navigate unfamiliar terrain, connect with communities and understand evolving needs.
These organisations align philanthropic intent with real-world impact, offering data, listening tools and shared learning to ensure that giving is not only generous, but meaningful.
Bridge
They act as bridges, linking diverse actors – foundations, civil society, governments – across differences in context, language and legal frameworks.
They make dialogue possible, foster mutual appreciation and empower philanthropy to work in partnership with society, not apart from it.
Lighthouse
They act as a lighthouse – steady, guiding and essential. Their reach extends far and wide, casting light that builds trust, provides orientation, and helps philanthropic actors find their way even in moments of uncertainty.
But just like a lighthouse, infrastructure can only be built when there is clarity and intention – when we recognise its value and invest in it before the storm.
Immune System
The ideas and standards cultivated by these organisations are the unseen systems that sustain the health of the sector.
Much like an immune system, philanthropy infrastructure ensures resilience, helping the sector fend off both internal dysfunctions and external pressures. It keeps philanthropy adaptive, responsive and grounded in shared values.
Garden Centre
As stewards of collective resources, they also function like a garden centre. While the garden is for everyone, someone must nurture the soil, ensure resilience in times of drought and equip communities with what they need to flourish.
These organisations support the deep-rooted trees of long-standing institutions, while also nourishing the seedlings of emerging initiatives.
Beehive
PIOs foster connection and collective strength. A lonely bee, working in isolation, can only do so much. But when it joins the beehive – a thriving ecosystem of peers – its efforts multiply.
Together, the hive produces honey – collective impact – the sweet outcome of collaboration, which nourishes communities and drives impact that none could achieve alone.
Value and impact of philanthropy infrastructure across Europe
As PIOs create conditions for philanthropy to achieve lasting impact, their work is necessarily systemic and requires strategic, long-term investment. In the end, it pays off: They unlock the collective power of philanthropy.
According to the results of the 2023/2025 surveys conducted with 25 of Philea’s PIO members, when asked what the biggest achievements in the last five years are, they replied:
Voice & visibility for the sector
They have become the recognised voice of the foundation and philanthropy sector, serving as credible, trusted partners and sources of information for policymakers, media and the public.
Advocacy & legal influence
They have shaped more enabling environments for giving, by influencing legislation and advocating for supportive regulatory frameworks for philanthropy.
Stakeholder mobilisation
They have united diverse actors – from funders to civil society to government – around shared agendas like climate adaptation and social cohesion.
Strengthening the non-profit sector
They have enhanced the sustainability of non-profits, through support mechanisms like grant schemes, crowdfunding and platforms that build long-term capacity.
Growing the culture of giving
Their work has led to measurable growth in philanthropy, reflected in improved rankings in global giving indexes and national recognition.
Institutional innovation & resilience
They have led on building internal strength and sustainability, including innovative financing models, governance improvements, hybrid transitions and member growth.
