Francesca Mereta’s Post

The time has finally come: looking forward to welcoming over 100 "chosen" colleagues of philanthropy support organisations from all over Europe for #PEXForum 2024 in Rome. Getting ready to deep dive into insightful, joyful conversations and shape the present and future of the community together. Huge congrats to my colleagues Silvia Panini Andrea Chiara Brancale Alba Quku Ilaria De Cave in Assifero, Matteo Gabbrielli and giacomo paiano and the whole Acri team, and the wonderful Philea - Philanthropy Europe Association squad on this, captained by Alina S. and Hanna Stähle, for the hosting efforts. And of course a big shout out to Pex Core Team for being such a wonderful inspirational group and for crafting this community-led space Alexandra Stef Olga Tarasov Alina Porumb, PhD Vinzenz Himmighofen Birce Altay Fabian Pfortmüller Michel Bachmann Everything is set: now let's enjoy the ride immersed in Roma beauty with good Italian food and coffee!

Yesterday was a humbling, insightful and inspiring day: I got the incredible opportunity to join the first Next Gen Summit hosted by Women Moving Millions. A thoughtfully crafted space where the next generation of women philanthropists, activists and organisations working at various intersections between gender and the biggest challenges of our time could meet and exchange. From transforming feminist philanthropy to bringing the gender perspective in the climate space, in building political power and influencing AI, from investing and move power to LGBTQ+ leaders to giving access to women healthcare and have more women making decisions in venture capitalist, there are few key takeaways I bring with me back home: 1) Fund more, fund better, fund faster and for the long run Only 1.9% of the funds make it to organizations dedicated to women and girls (even less for women belonging to marginalized communities); in the US for every $100 awarded by U.S. foundations in 2021, only 28 cents specifically supported LGBTQ communities and issues; only 0,76% of climate funding go to youth-led initiatives. The type of systemic challenge we are facing require foundations, funders and those working in the philanthropic sector to provide core flexible funding to organisations and movements and listen carefully to the need of those who work on the ground . And need to be committed for the long term: changes of this kind do not happen overnight and require investing in process of many many years. 2) Understand and leverage power to open doors for leaders and movements Speakers invited white women, in particular, to recognise the power they hold, that go beyond the financial resources they make available. We need to stop being reluctant and understand that we hold social capital and privileged positions with which we can open doors to leaders and organisations. 3) Fund ecosystems and make possible for organisations and movements to collaborate rather than compete for funds. Thanks again Women Moving Millions for creating such a caring space where to learn, meet and exchange. Among the several quotes mentioned, one particular got stuck into my mind. It is from Murri visual artist Lilla Watson “If you have come here to help me you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”

Beyond excited to be back to school desks, as I have been accepted for the Senior International Fellow Program at The City University of New York along with 7 others colleagues from all over the world to deep dive into community philanthropy. This is a great opportunity to step back from the daily work and expanding my vision of community philanthropy, bringing fresh new insights to the conversations, challenging assumptions and learning from fellows from other countries new practices and ideas. The first two weeks have been an immersive learning experience and I cannot wait for what comes next!

Great to be in London, hosted by UK Community Foundations in the wonderful CCLA Investment Management spaces and get the chance to talk to colleagues from across Europe how community foundations are inherently advancing the #Agenda2030 at the local level and what are role as support organizations we can play in supporting them and the overall system from a local perspective all the way through the global one! Deep and insightful conversations around how to build #partnerships and alliances. One sentence by Lina Kukulskyte from The Partnering Initiative (TPI) really hit me "Partnership move at the speed of trust" Thanks also to Rachel McGrath from Northamptonshire Community Foundation for inspiring us with the journey of how the community foundation has not just welcomed but fully embraced the #SDGs And deep thanks to European Community Foundation Initiative for being such a powerful convener and catalyzer, creating spaces for reflection and exchange, for the overall movement in Europe (and beyond!)

#jobopportunity Ad Assifero stiamo cercando un* giovane (all'ultimo anno/che abbia appena finito l'università) che lavori con noi nella realizzazione dei programmi nazionali e internazionali dell'associazione e ci affianchi nell'area di comunicazione! Dalla filantropia per il clima all'uguaglianza di genere, dall'impact investment all'Agenda 2030 e programmi di scambio tra pari, cerchiamo una persona si unisca a noi per rafforzare il ruolo delle fondazioni ed enti filantropici e dell'intero sistema e aumentarne l'impatto collettivo. Un'opportunità unica per chi si affaccia al mondo del lavoro per scoprire come funziona un network in crescita e contribuire allo sviluppo di una rete associativa, conoscere diversi mondi e realtà sia a livello nazionale che internazionale. C'è tempo fino al 30 novembre per presentare la propria candidatura. Per dubbi o domande, potete scrivermi in DM o alla mia mail f.mereta@assifero.org Maggiori info al link 👇 https://lnkd.in/euGgHQwM

Great conversation between James Magowan and Sameer Padania on the role that community foundations are playing in supporting local #media landscape and #journalism across Europe and which opportunities are opening up for the future. Having the "Power of place" as common denominator, these organizations are extremely well positioned to tackle the global biggest interconnected challenges at the local level. If you never heard of #community foundations and their transformative potential, here is your chance to catch up (and also you can find more info on Assifero new Knowledge Centre https://lnkd.in/deneZJ-x)!

Last days to apply for these great positions at Philea - Philanthropy Europe Association! Do not miss the chance to join an outstanding team of professionals, that works passionately in strengthening #philanthropy across Europe

Yesterday marked an historic day for European #philanthropy with the launch of Philea - Philanthropy Europe Association, the one voice for the European philanthropy ecosystem, that will be able to harness and catalyze the power, competences, experiences and resources (financial, human, social, intellectual) of over 10.000 foundations and philanthropic institutions across 30 countries in Europe. A stronger unified voice for advancing and strengthening the role of philanthropy in building a fairer, more inclusive, equitable and sustainable future for everyone. Very excited to see what's next, to collaborate and co-create with the thousands of people across Europe who believe in the transformative role of philanthropy for positive change. #phileals