The Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) works with funders all over the world, including dozens of grantmakers headquartered in Europe. Recently, CEP joined the Philanthropy Europe Associate (Philea), an association of philanthropic funders and infrastructure organizations in Europe. I had the chance to share a few questions with Delphine Moralis, CEO of Philea, recently, and get her take on some of the key issues in philanthropy we often think about at CEP, as well as hear about what Philea has been up to and talk about opportunities for cross-Atlantic collaboration.

Chloe Heskett: Can you tell us a little bit about Philea? What role do you play in the European philanthropic sector?

Delphine Moralis: Philanthropy Europe Association — Philea — is a Brussels-based membership organisation comprised of individual philanthropies and national-level infrastructure organisations from more than 30 countries.

A metaphor we like to use for the European philanthropic sector is that of a forest — an almost limitlessly diverse ecosystem comprising of all shapes and sizes of organisation. We see our role as making sure that the soil which nourishes that ecosystem is as healthy as it can be to help our members thrive and grow, and for the sector as a whole to benefit. Our vision, mission and 5-year strategic framework, approved earlier this year, provide a roadmap to do just that.

H: In our work at CEP, we often talk about trust-based philanthropy. Is this a prominent topic in European philanthropy? Can you share some insight into how it is thought of, or approached? Are there any particular challenges in the European context?

DM: Absolutely, and going back to the second and third points I made above regarding the Philea Forum threads: throughout those days, delegates were clearly looking for new ways to engage in participatory grantmaking, address power imbalances, and really listen to their partners. When delegates were asked at the opening plenary what the top priority for philanthropy should be, they placed “trust-based giving, participatory approaches, and flexible funding” at the top, and this was again echoed across the sessions.

While trust-based philanthropy resonated strongly with the participants, it was also acknowledged that the European landscape poses specific challenges, such as navigating diverse legal and cultural frameworks, establishing long-term trust in a constantly evolving sector, and addressing power imbalances inherent in traditional philanthropic structures. These discussions emphasised the need for ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and innovative approaches to fully realise the potential of trust-based philanthropy in the European philanthropic ecosystem.

Read the full interview with Delphine Moralis at The Center for Effective Philanthropy.