The EFC will attend the launch conference for the European Year 2012, due to take place from 18 – 19 January 2012 in Copenhagen. The event, which will focus on how innovation can bring new solutions to the challenges of an ageing society in Europe, will be an excellent opportunity to promote the role played by the foundation sector in the field of active ageing and solidarity between generations.
In recent years, the EFC has seen increased interest amongst its members in the issue of ageing, and anticipates that this will continue throughout the European Year 2012. One in five EFC members are currently involved in the field of social and human services, while 20% of EFC members have specific programmes targeting elderly persons.
The activities carried out by foundations include making grants to pioneering programmes and projects, funding local organisations, providing services, supporting research, hosting conferences and training activities and much more. Over the years, foundations have thus acquired significant knowledge on the subject of active ageing and intergenerational activities. This knowledge and experience can make a significant contribution towards achieving the European Year’s objectives.
In October 2011 the EFC joined the Coalition of Stakeholders for the Year, signing a manifesto setting out 10 proposals to promote an age-friendly European Union and will be involved in the implementation of the European Year’s activities. In particular, the EFC will contribute to the development of the Year by raising awareness within the foundation sector about the objectives of active ageing and solidarity between generations; keeping foundations updated on initiatives undertaken at European/national level; and sharing information on foundations’ activities in the field with stakeholders at European level.
"Foundations, as autonomous non-profit organisations with their own resources, are ideally placed to give valuable creative input into the European Year, and contribute to the discussions on how to tackle demographic change" – Gerry Salole, Chief Executive, EFC
Visit the EFC webpage dedicated to the European Year 2012
Visit the Conference page
Download EFC the Press Release here
Download the EFC’s Press Release "European foundations provide innovative solutions to age- old problem"