2009 was a very important year in the history of European philanthropy and of the EFC.
It marked the 20th anniversary of the EFC, with s special anniversary conference in Berlin entitled “Moving European Philanthropy Forward”. Additionally it witnessed important progress on the European Foundation Statute with the European Commission initiating a feasibility study on the creation of such a Statute and a public consultation
The EFC’s flagship event, the Annual General Assembly (AGA) and Conference, convened a record 633 delegates in Rome to discuss how foundations are “Fighting Poverty, Creating Opportunities”. During the AGA and Conference the Global Philanthropy Leadership Initiative – a joint initiative of the EFC, the Council on Foundations, and WINGS – was created involving foundation leaders from around the world with the goal of strengthening global philanthropic leadership. The Memorandum of Understanding between the Donors and Foundations Networks in Europe (DAFNE) and the EFC was also signed at the closing of the conference.
In 2009, was also a year of both physical and virtual change for the Centre as it moved to its new premises and launched a new website.
Several initiatives blossomed during 2009 such as the European Consortium of Foundations on Human Rights and Disability, the Children and Youth Interest Group, and the Forum for Roma Inclusion.
To read about all this and more download the 2009 EFC Annual report and Financial Statement or contact the EFC (efc@efc.be) for a copy.