“ an opportunity for CEOs and active trustees of leading European foundations to share experiences, learn from each other and lay the groundwork for effective solutions in the aftermath of the financial crisis ”

The current financial and economic crisis is unprecedented: its impact is global affecting all countries and sectors. The world of philanthropy and foundations has not been spared. Quite the contrary. Some foundations have disappeared, while others have lost an often substantial part of their resources. The mission of some foundations or the existence of the projects they support are at risk or in doubt. Challenges vary widely between foundations of different size, origins and purpose, but all are asking how best to adapt what they do and how they work in response to the crisis. Many are reviewing their investment strategies. For a few, continued survival is not certain. Concerns are being raised at all levels of the philanthropy sector - even by those least affected by the crisis - about the short and long-term impact on foundations of the crisis. There are lessons to be learnt and shared from experiences so far. There remain many questions to be debated about what is yet to come.

“Responsible leadership in times of change” provides an opportunity for active trustees and CEOs of European foundations to come together with fellow foundation leaders to discuss their experiences and views of future prospects and possibilities. The Symposium will focus in particular on three main areas of leadership responsibility: governance, financial management and impact. Testimonials, round tables, workshops and peer-to-peer discussions will give participants the opportunity to share and learn from each others’ experience, to confirm or challenge different approaches, and to lay the groundwork for finding effective solutions.

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