Futures Philanthropy: Anticipation for the Common Good
The future is not random. It must be anticipated, prepared for and built today. To encourage philanthropic action that is resolutely focused on the future, the network of European foundations Philea published Futures Philanthropy: Anticipation for the Common Good last May. The publication is a reflection on the role of philanthropy and its ability to act more effectively in the face of tomorrow's challenges.
"As a sector, philanthropy is particularly well placed to take long-term action. Even when it acts urgently or in the face of crisis, it incorporates future challenges into its thinking and actions. If, as Albert Einstein said, today's problems cannot be solved with yesterday's solutions, we need to develop new ways of thinking to meet tomorrow's challenges," explains Delphine Moralis, CEO of Philea, in the preamble to this book.
The aim of this publication is to explore how philanthropy can better respond to future challenges by developing a culture of foresight. In collaboration with the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies, Philea proposes methods for developing this foresight approach in philanthropic practice. The avenues presented are based in particular on a survey conducted in 2023 involving over 200 organisations and representatives from the philanthropic, institutional, academic, civil society, business, think tank, and media sectors. The aim is to identify the main drivers of change in a number of areas of public interest, such as climate change, democracy and social inclusion. A number of experts in the sector explain how philanthropy needs to adapt in order to have a greater long-term impact. These contributions include one from Michael and Franz Viegener, the young German founders of the Famtastisch Foundation: "How the younger generation is rethinking philanthropy." Driven by their foundation's mission to enable future generations to lead healthy lives in a sustainable environment, they outlined a set of guidelines to achieve this goal grounded in trust-based philanthropy—moving away from control mechanisms to foster more egalitarian relationships with associations and financial partners. They also favour a bold approach that dares to experiment and address issues holistically, without seeking to make a narrowly defined impact.
Several case studies are also presented. One of these presents the foresight approach adopted by the Mercator Switzerland Foundation to adapt its strategy in a world where crises are interconnected and rapidly evolving. How? By conducting forecasting studies to more effectively spot weak signals and understand emerging societal trends. This data forms the basis for the experimental programmes that are carried out in the Foundation's Futures Lab. Lastly, the results or main lessons learned from the experimental projects are shared widely so that everyone can take insights, draw inspiration or refine them.
This collective work focuses on four main principles:
Tackling the root causes by developing a systemic approach
The systemic approach aims to provide sustainable, structural solutions to societal problems. It involves acting at the root of problems and aiming to transform practices, structures, standards and even mindsets on an ecosystem scale.
Encouraging collaboration based on trust and the participation of the people concerned
To act effectively, it is important to involve people in defining and implementing actions that concern them. Involving the those concerned, including on boards of directors, contributes to a better understanding of the issues, and guides the decisions that are taken and the actions to be implemented.
Promoting research, a culture of innovation and experimentation
Innovation and experimentation are key to driving transformative change. This involves developing a culture of innovation and experimentation within the structures by encouraging the exploration of new methods and learning through failure.
Giving priority to sustainable actions
To act in favour of future generations, philanthropy must prioritise actions with a long-term impact rather than immediate results. This approach requires a forward-looking mindset and a commitment to multi-year funding, which is key to developing innovative, sustainable solutions.
"Future Chair": an Assifero initiative to strengthen the role of children and young people in European philanthropy
Children and young people can no longer be just a "problem to be solved" for philanthropic organisations: their voice must be heard in everything they do. To accelerate this change, Assifero, the Italian Association of Foundations and Philanthropic Organisations, is inviting Italian and European philanthropic organisations to leave an empty seat at their board meetings and round tables. With this initiative, entitled "Future Chair", it aims to symbolise the absence of children and young people in the decision-making process and public discourse. It also aims to remind us of our responsibility towards future generations and to encourage philanthropic organisations to include them in their decision-making processes.
We live in a culture that prioritizes the adult voice, with the dominant idea that children and young people lack experience and are not capable of making decisions and acting responsibly. How can we ensure that philanthropy contributes to a change of perspective, becomes more inclusive, and moves closer to its beneficiaries, while integrating intergenerational dialogue into every decision?
As Europe's population ages, there are fewer and fewer young Europeans. In Italy, for example, young people (aged 15-29) account for just 15% of the population. According to a study conducted in 2023 by Assifero and students from Bocconi University, only 5% of Italian philanthropic organisations have people aged under 50 on their board of directors. Of the total sample, 81% are aged between 50 and 65, and 14% between 65 and 80. Although 37 of the 38 foundations surveyed include young people among the "beneficiaries" of their actions, little effort is made to involve them in programme design and decision-making.
There are many advantages to involving the younger generation. Thanks to their experience and imagination, young people are true experts, capable of contributing to solutions, not only to issues specific to their generation (such as digital technology and climate change), but also to the other major challenges facing society.
With the "Future Chair" initiative, Assifero is encouraging those involved in European philanthropy to actively involve children and young people in their work, including creating dedicated spaces for dialogue and implementing young people's recommendations.
Launched in March 2023, the initiative now has 56 signatories, including Italian private and family foundations, as well as corporate and community foundations. The signatories are taking concrete action. For example: the Monza and Brianza Foundation has created a youth bank where young people design and manage calls for projects; and the Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation has rethought its decision-making processes by creating a Youth Advisory Council.
→ The full study "Futures Philanthropy: Anticipation for the Common Good" is available here
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