The foundation sector in the European Union is very diverse not only due to its multiplicity of languagesand cultures but also to the different legal and fiscal environments in each of the member states. The richness of such diversity enables foundations in the EU to have a great impact on society within and outside of Europe.
This work is an example of successful collaboration among a range of partners including various EFC members, national associations of donors, and researchers. The information was compiled by the EFC Research Task Force (RTF) from 2002 to 2008. The RTF comprised representatives of European Union-based EFC member foundations and national associations of foundations who often coordinated data-gathering with universities or researchers.
The following figures, referring mostly to 2005, provide a snapshot of the foundation sector across the EU and its impact on society.
You can also download the full publication 
'Foundations in the European Union – facts and figures' (pdf 800kb) which compiles both qualitative and quantitative data on foundations’ impact and practices across the European Union.
For information contact: IMagalhaes@efc.be