Edito

Dear readers,

As NEF approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, this is a moment to celebrate what we have built together: dozens of projects incubated and supported over the years in the field of social cohesion and democracy across Europe; hundreds of foundations mobilised upstream to support field-building, alongside an even greater number of NGOs and other influential actors engaged downstream as grantee partners. Over time, NEF has worked continuously to strengthen the conditions surrounding its collaborative funds and to expand its thought leadership in collaborative funding and regranting capacity.

Intermediaries like NEF play an increasingly vital role in today’s philanthropic landscape. The sharp reduction in government funding worldwide is leaving a gap that no single foundation can fill alone - and mounting challenges to our democracies, civic space, and multilateral solidarity make it more necessary than ever to pool our strengths and resources.

As part of its next chapter, NEF will continue to foster mutual support between foundations, projects, and grantee partners, while cultivating a culture of learning and adaptation. The case for collaborative philanthropy has never been stronger.

This edition highlights the European Fund for the Balkans (EFB), one of our longest-standing initiatives. While Europe faces growing pressure on its democratic foundations, EFB’s mission - strengthening democracy, peace, and regional solidarity while affirming the Western Balkans’ role in addressing Europe’s shared challenges - feels more urgent than ever.

Last May, our 2026 Collaborative Day brought our network together around donor learning. In a funding environment that demands greater accountability and adaptability, strengthening knowledge and know-how on how to engage with funders is essential - especially as donor profiles become more diverse, along with their expectations and needs.

Below, you will find updates from across our collaborative projects. As always, we welcome your reflections.

Warm regards,

Peggy Saïller

NEF Executive Director