Today, across Europe, the European Day of Foundations and Donors – #October1Europe – is celebrated, a day dedicated to recognizing the key role that philanthropy and foundations play in promoting social progress, generosity, humanitarianism, and in strengthening social responsibility and solidarity among citizens, organizations, and institutions.
As part of Philanthropy Week, foundation members of the Forum ZaDobro.BIT!, in cooperation with the National Foundation for Civil Society Development and European Foundation for Philanthropy and Social Development, have marked or are still marking this day through a series of activities – from workshops and public actions to award ceremonies and meetings with citizens (CALENDAR).
By marking this day, special emphasis is placed on the contribution of philanthropic initiatives in addressing numerous social, cultural, and environmental challenges, as well as their role in promoting collective action aimed at the betterment of the community. Foundations across Europe are actively working to strengthen social cohesion, encourage intersectoral collaboration, and empower civil society.
In today’s complex and rapidly changing social context, philanthropists are increasingly going beyond the traditional role of donors and are directly involved in shaping public policies and developing innovative solutions that have the potential for long-term positive change. As a result, they are becoming key players in creating an encouraging and sustainable environment for societal development based on solidarity, inclusivity, and shared responsibility.
This year’s #October1Europe is held under the overarching theme "Towards equality as a lived reality", which reminds us of the importance of fighting social inequalities and the need to raise awareness of these issues. Through this year’s observance of European Day of Foundations and Donors, citizens are invited to engage in collective and active reflection on the future we want – sustainable and just, for both people and the planet. This is an opportunity to show the significant impact philanthropy can have and how bold thinking and innovative actions, driven by hope, can inspire real change and shape a world in which equality is a reality we truly live.
