The opening session of the ERNOP Pre-Conference Safe Spaces for Philanthropy focuses on the theme of trust. Does trust play a special role in philanthropy?
Trust is fundamental in philanthropy. Philanthropy is built on relationships. When philanthropists fund or invest, they are creating a two-way relationship between them and the person who receives funding. The focus should be on the key elements of making this relationship strong. Anyone who wants to fund effectively must build trust – it is essential. Relationships must be strengthened making sure that funding reaches those who need it most – and does so as effectively as possible.
Do you see a lack of trust?
Yes. In the last ten years, philanthropy has been under a lot of scrutiny – and rightly so. The way in which some philanthropists work can generate misunderstandings about their motivations and expectations. That is why it is important to build a positive and constructive narrative that recognizes the importance of philanthropy in the world today.
That is why it is important to build a positive and constructive narrative that recognizes the importance of philanthropy in the world today.
Fozia Irfan, Director of Impact and Influence at BBC Children in Need and Chair of 360Giving
So, do you see the lack of trust as more of an issue between philanthropy and society than within the sector itself?
It can be. Negative narratives about certain philanthropists, highlighted on social media, can create a perception about all of philanthropy. In this context, the sector has faced some unfair criticism. Scrutiny and transparency are important. But philanthropists should be more proactive in telling our story in a constructive and positive way.
In development aid, the Trump administration shook established relationships. Does this harm trust, or do you see an opportunity?
I see every challenge as an opportunity. NGOs worldwide face many challenges in a global scale. The key question for philanthropists is: How do we respond? What priorities do we set? They must ask: What do NGOs need to be empowered to continue their work and improve the lives of children and young people sustainably?
What would the answers to these questions be?
There are so many answers. The primary methodology that philanthropists have is in financial support. But many underestimate other forms of assistance: facilitate discussions, building networks, or innovatively using their platforms. For example, at BBC Children in Need, we are running a funding program addressing poverty in 15 regions across the UK. Besides investing £1.5 million into each community, we bring the regions together, encourage the exchange of best practices, and foster community building. This impact is almost more important than the grant-making itself. Philanthropists should think about what other assets do you have as a foundation that can be leveraged to support NGOs at this time of need.
Is transparency the foundation for trust?
Absolutely. I am also Chair of 360Giving, a UK-platform for data sharing and transparency. Its aim is simple: to encourage philanthropy actors to disseminate where funds go and what they support. In the last ten years, there has been a revolution in UK, a data sharing. BBC Children in Need also publishes where our funds go, how the funding process works, what our key-priorities are, and our success rate. This Increases understanding. Although we are a large funder, we can only support one in six applications.
A movement is emerging in philanthropy to make application processes as simple, useful, and convenient as possible.
Fozia Irfan
Five out of six organizations thus expend effort without return. Are you also making efforts to reduce applicants’ workload?
Absolutely. Our application processes have fundamentally changed. Previously, applicants had to submit full applications with all documents upfront. The process took four to five months before a decision was made. Today, we start with a simple expression-of-interest form without full due diligence. This reduces effort and allows us to give a very quick response on whether a project fits our portfolio. It saves time and resources for everyone involved.
Simplified application processes, increased transparency – are these best practices, or has the whole sector changed?
In recent years, an increasing number of foundations have lowered barriers through greater transparency, clearer priorities, and simplified application processes. A movement is emerging in philanthropy to make application processes as simple, useful, and convenient as possible.
360Giving makes data available. Does this build trust?
It’s not just about trust, but also effectiveness. Prior to having this data sharing platform, no one knew who was funding whom. People worked in silos. Now, it’s visible who is active where and what types of projects are supported. Fundraisers can target potential funders more precisely, and funders have new opportunities for collaboration. 360Giving has existed for ten years. The first objective was on transparency and data sharing. Now, the second phase is about data analysis: recognizing trends and gaps. For example, infrastructure organizations with coordinating and structural roles receive less funding compared to frontline organizations working directly with people. Thanks to data, foundations can see where funding is concentrated and where it’s lacking, allowing them to adjust strategies accordingly.
Even open application processes often fail to reach the communities that need to be targeted.
Fozia Irfan
You initiated the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coalition of Foundations. Did this commitment arise from the data?
Absolutely. Most foundations and philanthropists recognize structural barriers which prevent certain communities from accessing funding. Even open application processes often fail to reach the communities that need to be targeted. I led the coalition with 15 foundations for two years. We developed practical solutions to ensure funding reaches those with the least access. After a few years, the concept of equity has become mainstream in the UK funding.
Are there quick wins for foundations in Switzerland on this topic?
The most important thing is to recognize that equitable funding means more effective funding. This connection helps make better decisions, reach communities more precisely, and fund more effectively. When board members and senior executives see inclusion not as an add-on but as something that is built in their processes, which enables their funding to be more effective. This mindset-shift that is really powerful.
One important insight is that institutional philanthropy has not been involved in the start of the biggest social change movements of last few years – like Black Lives Matter, Me Too, or the climate movement – despite their enormous impact on social change.
Fozia Irfan
You published the report «Transformative Philanthropy: A Manual for Social Change». What are the key insights?
published the report last year after studying philanthropy and foundations in the USA with a Churchill Fellowship. It addresses how philanthropists can effect social change. I identified key ingredients that philanthropists and foundations should think about funding for the future to make sure their funding is effective. These include funding narrative-change, community-led practices and movement building. One important insight is that institutional philanthropy has not been involved in the start of the biggest social change movements of last few years – like Black Lives Matter, Me Too, or the climate movement – despite their enormous impact on social change. To me, this is a serious point of reflection for all funders and philanthropist and highlights an opportunity for philanthropy to be more proactive in supporting emerging movements.
More information about ERNOP Safe Spaces for Philanthropy 2025: Connecting Academia and Practice, 24 September 2025, Heidelberg
