Futures Philanthropy Case Study - From Donor to Partner : How Bikuben Fonden is embracing mission-driven systems change in philanthropy

Guided by a vision for a better future, the Bikuben Foundation focuses on systemic change. One critical area for the foundation is eradicating homelessness among young people in Denmark. Moving beyond short-term solutions, the foundation emphasises long-term strategies that address the root causes of issues by developing collaborative frameworks across municipalities, civil society, and other stakeholders, and aligning resources with specific societal missions. This holistic approach has led to tangible, lasting impacts, including a reduction in homelessness in Denmark and increased influence on national policymaking.This case study is part of Philea's Futures Philanthropy series - a selection of hands-on, practical insights into emerging forward-thinking, long-term, innovative practices in the European philanthropy sector. This material provides a foundation for contributing to building futures thinking in the philanthropic field

Achieving Fiscally Responsible Tax Reform: Top 20 Proposals to Reduce Wasteful Spending, Close Tax Loopholes, and Save up to $4 Trillion

Enacted in 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) stimulated economic growth, delivered tax relief for hardworking Americans, and made significant progress toward simplifying the tax code. Now, Congress is facing tough decisions about how to deal with the expiration of many of those crucial but expensive reforms. This report presents 20 priority reformsâ—â10 spending cuts and 10 tax loophole closersâ—âthat would generate up to $4 trillion in savings to help advance the permanent extension of the TCJA without adding to the deficit

2025 Ariadne Forecast for European Social Change and Human Rights Funders

The 2025 Ariadne forecast gives insights into what challenges and opportunities this year might bring for grantees; how funder practices could change; which political events will likely affect funders' work; what will become more important in the months ahead; and – perhaps most importantly – what to feel hopeful about. As we move steadily along into the rest of 2025, this report serves as a useful resource to assist grantees as they prepare to navigate the year ahead

Developing Supportive Educational and Career Pathways for Young People: Lessons From the Learn and Earn to Achieve Potential (LEAP) Initiative

The Annie E. Casey Foundation's Learn and Earn to Achieve Potential (LEAP)⢠initiative aims to improve educational and employment for young people, particularly those who have experienced foster care, justice system involvement or homelessness. Through collaboration with local organizations, LEAP helps youth gain the skills and support necessary to achieve long-term success.This report outlines strategies that LEAP has employed and shares lessons learned to help guide public systems and organizations looking to provide similar support.Key LEAP strategies include:Equity-Centered and Inclusive Environments: Developing processes to identify and address inequitable practices that create barriers for youth of color.Flexible Learning Experiences: Providing high-quality learning opportunities that equip young people with the necessary skills for career and postsecondary success.Youth-Centered Design: Integrating young people into decision-making processes to identify barriers and advocate for policy changes.Support for Meeting Basic Needs: Assisting youth in accessing resources such as housing, mental health services, child care, transportation and technology.Empowering Relationships: Fostering strong peer-to-peer connections and support networks.Formalized Structure for Collaboration: Establishing formal referral and data-sharing agreements to enhance service delivery.By implementing these strategies, systems, organizations and communities can create an equitable, supportive environment that helps young people tap into their talents and realize their full potential

Five Agendas to Drive the Transformation of the Philanthropic Sector in Latin America and the Caribbean

Across Latin America and the Caribbean, philanthropic leaders increasingly recognise five priority agendas to drive transformation. These are not distant aspirations but tangible opportunities within reach, rooted in experience, informed by lessons learned, and illustrated by proven examples of success. Each agenda has the potential to shift philanthropy, but their real strength lies in their interdependence. When pursued together, these agendas reinforce one another, unlocking the possibility of more ambitious and lasting impact across the ecosystem

The Home Visiting Referral Quality Improvement Initiative (THRIVE) Change Package

This is the updated version (October 2025) of the Home Visiting Referral Quality Improvement Initiative (THRIVE) Change Package. The purpose of this change package is to provide clinics or hospitals that would like to improve their ability to refer eligible families to early childhood home visiting services with ideas about where to start

A Scoping Research on Capacity Needs of Civil Society Organisations in West Africa

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) play a vital role in advancing development and social justice, yet many face challenges in financial management, digital security, strategic planning, and resource mobilisation.WACSI's latest study analyses capacity gaps among CSOs in West Africa, Cameroon, Chad, and Mauritania, using data from 391 organisations across 18 countries. Findings reveal that 65% operate nationally, with 69% focusing on women and youth leadership

Transnational Networks in the Constitution of Latin American Sites of Conscience: The Role of Philanthropic Foundations

This report explores the establishment of sites of conscience in Latin America, focusing on the role of philanthropic foundations in supporting initiatives related to the memory of Latin American dictatorships and in forming transnational networks. The report is part of my doctoral research. Drawing on documents from the Rockefeller Archive Center, the following pages examine the history of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience (ICSC): the only global network of "memorials, museums, and place-based museums in historical sites that prevent the erasure of the past to ensure a more human future." I focus on one of the Coalition's founding members, the Argentine human rights organization alliance, Memoria Abierta (MA). I argue that philanthropic foundations played a pivotal role in establishing transnational networks crucial for the development of Latin American initiatives focused on human rights and the memory of state terrorism. For that, I map the complexity and conflicts among local NGOs, individuals, and international institutions that contributed to the emergence of innovative practices promoting memory from historical sites across the continent

Building Resilience in Times of Crisis : Part 1: Supporting partnersâ response and adaptation in funding crises

Recent events and the USAID funding freeze have highlighted how unprepared we are when a crisis strikes. Partners suddenly lose resources they depend on, and the issues they address are quickly labelled as controversial, placing them at risk of backlash. This situation raises critical questions:* How do we support grantees who rely on these funds? * What type of support is more effective in situations when philanthropy cannot fully fill the funding gap? * How can we protect grantees and our organisations while staying true to our values, mission and goals?There is no one-size-fits-all answer; as contexts change rapidly, our strategies and tools must adapt in real time. Addressing these challenges requires not only immediate financial relief but also specialised skills and strong support infrastructures that go beyond traditional project funding. This is where Organisational Development (OD) and flexible funding become essential, helping grantees build resilience and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. Recognising this need, the Philea Organisational Development Community of Practice has launched a series of informal gatherings on "Building Resilience in Times of Crisis" where philanthropy practitioners can discuss challenges, share approaches and explore adaptable support strategies. This learning series is not only a space to exchange immediate responses but also to think critically about how to reshape funding and support structures in ways that centre local leadership, foster long-term sustainability and challenge existing power imbalances in the philanthropic ecosystem.This information note captures the learnings from the first of three sessions in this series:* Part 1: Supporting partners' response and adaptation in funding crises* Part 2: Building Effective Partnerships* Part 3: Bridging Efforts Across the Atlanti

Strengthening the Urban Harbor: Policy & Investment Recommendations for Boston's Working Ports

Overview of the StudyBoston's working ports, much of which lie in Designated Port Areas (DPAs), face unprecedented challenges. Competing regulatory, economic, and real estate priorities in Greater Boston have subjected these vital maritime industrial zones to enhanced political scrutiny and significant market pressure. These challenges are not all unique to Boston; working waterfronts across the country and the world are grappling with similar pressures as cities seek to balance maritime industrial uses, which can have regional economic importance, with valuable waterfront urban development and public access to the water, which create more local value. In Boston, this pressure has led to legislative attempts to circumvent established State industrial land use policy by removing areas from a DPA to realize other local economic and community development priorities. Unfortunately, once waterfront industrial land is converted to other uses, it is effectively impossible to restore its maritime industrial capacity.The Boston Waterfront Partners (BWP) is a coalition of non-profit organizations and non-profit community-based organizations dedicated to the sustainable development and equitable use of Boston's waterfront areas. Recognizing the importance of the region's maritime industrial economy and the needs of waterfront communities, BWP has taken a proactive approach to addressing the complex challenges facing DPAs.The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) conducted a comprehensive statewide analysis of DPAs. To complement and inform this broader effort, BWP initiated a focused study of Boston's four Inner Harbor DPAs: South Boston, East Boston, Mystic River, and Chelsea Creek—all part of the Mystic River Watershed. This targeted approach allows for a deeper examination of the unique conditions and challenges facing these specific areas in Boston's evolving urban landscape.The study provides an initial roadmap for the stewardship of Boston's working waterfront, ensuring that these vital economic assets continue to thrive while meeting adjacent communities' needs for open space and adapting to 21st-century environmental and economic needs. The study team employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data analysis, qualitative stakeholder engagement, and case study research