We connect our members to each other and to relevant actors in other sectors for inspiration and joint action. A key channel for this is our thematic networks, groups of Philea members that come together around a theme of common interest. We both support existing networks and facilitate the creation of new ones based on members’ interests.
Our thematic networks
In 2025 our thematic networks continued to grow as vibrant communities of collective learning and strategic cooperation. Built on the belief that relationships drive transformative change, the networks brought together foundations and philanthropic organisations across Europe to deepen expertise, broaden impact and drive systemic transformation through alliances.
Across 14 thematic networks, more than 90 people from 40 organisations helped steer activities. The year saw 5 major network-led events, 3 peer-learning journeys, 6 publications, a white paper on international cooperation, youth‑engagement how‑to guides and significant contributions to the Philea Forum programme. Three Forum side events further highlighted growing momentum, including the first‑ever global gathering of Philanthropy for Climate Coalition coordinators.
Our approaches to collaboration
Deepening expertise through collective learning
Fostering collaboration among foundations and philanthropic organisations with shared thematic priorities to advance knowledge and strengthen practice.
Broadening impact through knowledge sharing
Empowering expert foundations to mainstream thematic areas and innovative approaches, extending insights to peers with limited experience or interest in the topic.
Driving systemic change through alliances
Building coalitions and movements that unite foundations with civil society organisations, policymakers and other key stakeholders to amplify influence and create lasting impact.
Deepening expertise through collective learning
Expert exchanges among foundations with shared thematic priorities:
- European Environmental Funders Group: Developed a new strategy, analysed 8,000+ grants, and convened its annual gathering; preparing for a major 2026 convening and environmental funding mapping update.
- Funders International Network for Development: Delivered a peer-learning platform, a white paper on philanthropy’s role in external relations, and FIND’s Annual Gathering. Plans include testing co‑granting schemes with DG INTPA and WINGS.
- Journalism Funders Forum: Held its annual gathering, launched webinars and newsletters, and supported the creation of an emergency journalism fund. Mapping and a Berlin gathering are planned for 2026.
- Research Forum: Explored philanthropy’s role in Europe’s innovation ecosystem and prepared a 2026 workshop and FP10/Horizon Europe contribution. From 6-7 November in Turin, hosted a workshop on “Revitalising Europe's Economic Dynamism: The Role of Philanthropy in Research and Innovation.”
- Arts and Culture Funders Forum: Focused on trends, freedom of artistic expression and value beyond numbers; launched the "Cultural Philanthropy in Action Webinar Series" and the "Arts & Culture Pulse" newsletter; prepared for the 2026 LOKAL programme and annual gathering in Paris.
Broadening impact through knowledge sharing
Our networks reached larger audiences through learning journeys, mappings and toolkits. In 2025, examples included:
- Climate Change and Philanthropy Infrastructure: Supporting the Ecosystem to Act
- Democracy Briefer for Funders: What’s Happening to European Democracy and What Funders Can Do About It
- 100 Climate-Neutral European Cities: Philanthropy’s Role in Ensuring a Just and Fair Transition Through the EU Cities Mission
- How to Integrate Climate into Your Philanthropic Programmes: What Foundations Need to Know, and Where to Begin
- How to Integrate Gender into the Foundation Agenda
- Evolving Practices of International Cooperation
Driving systemic change through alliances
Building movements and coalitions for transformative partnerships:
- European Philanthropy Coalition for Climate: Advanced climate integration and justice work, released an international progress report, and prepared the first global progress report for 2026.
- European Foundations for Sustainable Agriculture and Food: Fostered connections across democracy, social justice, agroecology, and food systems; continued consolidation toward the 2026 annual gathering.
- KoneKtor – Philanthropy East Forum: Addressed democratic backsliding, civic space, and regional solidarity. A major convening in Vienna highlighted civil society resilience.
- Migration and Belonging Network: Newly launched in partnership with EPIM, this network focuses on intersectional themes ‒ migration, democracy, climate and racial justice.
Broadening the community
Our partnerships with other organisations within and outside of the sector remain critically important ‒ in ensuring there is less duplication of work, better sharing of information and more coordination in tackling difficult issues.
A great example of this was in July when we took on the coordination of Transnational Giving Europe from the King Baudouin Foundation. In the second half of the year, we rebranded this initiative to Giving Europe. The network facilitates cross-border philanthropy in Europe by 1) providing a secure and efficient solution to enable donors to give quickly and easily across most EU countries; and 2) through the exchange of information and best practices.
Other highlights of our work with partners in 2025 included:
- Collaborating with WINGs to secure joint funding for our Climate Coalition work
- Securing a three-year framework partnership with the EU to support philanthropy infrastructure organisations
- Working with EPIM to relaunch our Migration and Belonging Network
- Partnering with Impact Europe to form a joint Beyond Grants group on impact investing