With the strings tightening on government purses across Europe and the role and influence of non-profit organisations growing, a number of questions have been raised concerning the legitimacy of foundations in particular and whether existing public regulation and self-regulatory frameworks are enough to ensure that the sector is open and held accountable.

Seeking to offer answers to these questions, the EFC and DAFNE mapped and analysed how the transparency and accountability of foundations is framed by legal and tax legislation and self-regulatory initiatives across Europe.

DAFNE and the EFC hope that the relevant actors will take this opportunity to reinforce the good work that has already been done in the field of transparency and accountability; and work to maintain foundations’ hard won reputation for integrity that has placed them among the most trusted institutions in society.

This project also marks an important step in strengthening the strategic partnership between DAFNE and the EFC - bringing together the 6,000+ members they represent to facilitate a broader, deeper understanding of the sector, both externally and among one another, and to amplify the voice of foundations throughout Europe.

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Having been translated with the generous support of the Associazione di Fondazioni e di Casse di Risparmio (ACRI), the study is also available in Italian, here.