This year again, on October 1, the European Day of Philanthropy and Foundations will be marked, with the aim of highlighting the importance of philanthropy and its contribution to society. This day provides an opportunity to raise public awareness of the role of foundations, donors, philanthropists, civil society organisations, volunteers and other stakeholders who, through their work, contribute to building a fairer and more sustainable society. As part of the Philanthropy and Social Innovation Week, the National Foundation for Civil Society Development will join the celebration of the European Day of Philanthropy and Foundations for the eleventh time, in cooperation with the European Foundation for Philanthropy and Social Development, coordinator of the ZaDobro.BIT! foundation forum. As part of the celebration, the International Conference “Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy – Drivers of Local Community Development” will be held on September 23 and 24, 2026, in Zadar, at the Arsenal.
This year’s European Day of Philanthropy and Foundations is celebrated under the theme “Philanthropy for People and Planet”. The theme places people and the planet at the centre of philanthropic action and emphasises their interconnectedness. At a time when Europe and the world are facing numerous challenges – from geopolitical instability and climate change to environmental degradation and growing inequalities – philanthropy can play an important role in fostering fair, inclusive and sustainable change.
This year’s theme also calls on the philanthropic sector to reflect on how to further strengthen adaptability, resilience, sustainability and shared prosperity, while remaining bold and persistent in addressing challenges. The theme “Philanthropy for People and Planet” was also at the heart of this year’s Philea Forum, the largest annual gathering of European philanthropy professionals, held in Copenhagen in May 2026.
Philea – Philanthropy Europe Association, the largest European network bringing together foundations, philanthropic organisations and organisations supporting the philanthropic sector, invites all interested organisations, foundations, donors, philanthropists and other stakeholders to take part in marking the European Day of Philanthropy and Foundations.
There are various ways to get involved:
-
share your experiences, activities and examples on social media using the hashtag #October1Europe;
-
use the available visual and communication materials available at the link and help amplify stories and activities from the philanthropic sector;
-
share an example of your own work demonstrating how philanthropy can contribute to the well-being of people and the planet;
-
organise an event, online or in person, a discussion, gathering or other activity on or around October 1;
-
get involved in climate initiatives, including by encouraging your organisation to join the Philanthropy for Climate initiative. In 2026, Philea and WINGS published a report on the progress of the global philanthropic climate movement, involving foundations from 30 countries.
The European Day of Philanthropy and Foundations is therefore not only an opportunity to showcase the work of individual organisations, but also to jointly highlight the strength and potential of philanthropy. This year’s theme invites us to reflect on how our actions can contribute to a future that cares for both people and the planet – and to turn our experiences, knowledge and ideas into concrete action.
Source: Philea
