Mihaela Giurgiu: An Eastern European Perspective on Philanthropy

In this episode we talk to Mihaela Giurgiu, a philanthropy expert from Romania who works as a mapping, research and peer-learning expert for the European Community Foundation Initiative and as an international network consultant for The Funding Initiative. Including:What is the history and current context for civil society in Romania and across Central and Eastern Europe more broadly?What is the general attitude of governments in CE Europe towards civil society and philanthropy?What is the balance between local, regional, national and international approaches in philanthropic funding across CE Europe?What kind of domestic causes receive philanthropic funding in Romania and other CE European countries?What is the attitude of the public towards philanthropy in CE European countries? Do recent critiques of philanthropy in the US and UK resonate in the CE European context? Or do they feel less relevant?Why have community foundations played such an important role in developing civil society and philanthropy in countries where the State previously crowded them out?Does the diversity of forms and approaches shown by community foundations sometimes make it difficult to position them as part of a coherent movement?Do community foundations tend to get forgotten in wider discussions about foundation philanthropy? If so, why?What is the role of infrastructure bodies in helping civil society organisations and funders navigate and adapt to a rapidly-changing environment?Has the Covid-19 pandemic increased awareness of the value of infrastructure? Will this result in more sustainable long-term funding?What role can giving circles play in developing a culture of philanthropy?Related Links:The European Community Foundation Initiative (ECFI)The Funding NetworkPhilanthropy Europe Association (Philea)CAF Giving Thought podcast with James Magowan from ECFIRhod's recent Alliance Magazine piece "What's Ahead? Predictions for philanthropy in 2022 and beyond"