The Application of learning & research to the practice of philanthropy report explores the availability and use within Europe of research into philanthropy and social investment and how a stronger and more effective framework could be built to enhance and extend opportunities for study and for learning in order to improve the practice of philanthropy. 

Specifically the report:

• Reflects on the views gathered from the consultations about the current use of learning within the philanthropic sector;
• Summarises why interviewees felt that it is so timely to undertake this project in Europe at present;
• Comments on current challenges to the use and development of philanthropy research and teaching revealed by the consultations, challenges which may undermine or divert further exploration and development – and suggestions for some practical actions which could be taken immediately and which might overcome or ameliorate those challenges.
• Outlines of what a healthy and robust philanthropy research and teaching ‘ecosystem’  might look like in say 5-7 years time – and what actions might be taken in the near future to encourage the emergence and development of such a system of research and applied learning.

The report was written by David Carrington and commissioned with the support of The Adessium Foundation, The Atlantic Philanthropies and The Pears Foundation. following an exploratory meeting at the Annual Conference of the European Foundation Centre (EFC) in Rome in May
2009.

The full report is available for download here.