Each edition is intended for those who enjoy long slow reading at a leisurely pace. We pack a lot of info into each edition. But we also do not want you to rush through everything all at once! Slow down, take you time, and scroll in small bites. If you feel like breezing through everything in one sitting, cool. Just know there’s no pressure to enjoy this entire newsletter as quickly as possible. 🐌 🐢

New Readers + Subscribers: You’re probably asking “Why are you doing this?”. Great question! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered right here.

in this world of pain,
even half a rainbow, even one
cherry blossom.
first day of spring—
a guitar case
full of change.
no offerings,
my wooden bowl
awaits the morning dew.
an afternoon in spring—
don’t think your life
didn’t matter.
to have died
and come back again,
cherry blossoms.

"Five Haiku in Spring", Deborah A. Bennett [ht Rattle]

NGO Leadership Update begins after the photo break…

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It wasn’t always like this.

[….]

Theirs is a desperate utterance, an alphabet of grief. It is an old and unimagined speech. Nothing good or beautiful or full of joy becomes a language such as this.

[….]

Poetry is a testament to the failure of wolves.

It is what the language does when a person loves the world enough to sing of it.

Keep singing. You are a poet also.

If you listen closely, you’ll hear the other poets in the distance, the bright concordance of their voices, their evidence and witness and their warning.

Like me, they sing to tell you they are there.

— “Letter to My Daughter After the Murder of a Poet in the Streets of Minneapolis”, Anonymous [via Literary Hub]

More after the photo break…

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Civil Society

Bully at the gate, enemy of the state? Why is the Trump administration working overtime to pit government against civil society at home and abroad? [BE4SI]

Cross-Border Dialogue 2026: Unique gathering of 100 young professionals, entrepreneurs, and advocates from Czechia, Slovakia, and Lower Austria welcomes applicants. Scholarships will allow participants to translate ideas into concrete action through activities focused on energy, education, democracy, and the climate crisis. Apply until 7 February 2026. [Details]

Civic Innovation Fund 2026 is offering €10,000 grants for projects across Europe that link financial and economic literacy with civic education, democratic participation, and social inclusion. Projects should run from April to December 2026, involve at least one transnational partner, and prioritize startups and youth-led organizations in civic education. Applications are due 16 February 2026. [Details]

Rondine Cittadella della Pace invites young people to join its 2026–2027 World House programme. This 18-month fully-funded fellowship for graduates, ages 21–28, combines conflict transformation training, leadership development, and an M1 master’s degree. Open to applicants from all backgrounds— with no language requirements— from the Balkans, the Caucasus, Eastern Europe, Middle East, South America and Sub-Saharan Africa. Apply by 22 February 2026. [Details]

RomanoNet is offering grants of up to €25,000 to Roma and pro-Roma civil society organizations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia to strengthen communities and promote EU values, human rights, and social inclusion. Projects can run for 13 months, covering activities like advocacy, capacity-building, public awareness, and community engagement. Applications close on 16 March 2026. [Details]

Philanthropy

2026 charitable giving changes. Even though 2026 just started, it brings with it a host of changes to U.S. tax law and rules for nonprofits and philanthropy domestically and internationally. [BE4SI]

The Average American Donor. Most donors have the capacity to give more but cite financial uncertainty as a primary barrier. The average American donor mentally inflates their own generosity by nearly four times compared to the actual percentage of income they give to charity. [Grey Matter Research & Consulting]

Three Misconceptions Impeding More Action from Funders: What are some of the common excuses used by foundation boards to keep payout rates low? And why should funders spend more during times of crisis to shore up vital community organizations? [Center for Effective Philanthropy]

2025 Grantmaker Salary and Benefits report. Median foundation salaries rose by 4.6% but failed to keep pace with inflation. Meanwhile, staff turnover rates climbed back up to 57%. There’s still a painfully slow increase in the racial and ethnic diversity of foundation staff. But the gender pay gap for CEOs is narrowing. [Candid]

S.O.S.—Nonprofits Need Funding for “Staff Operating Support”. Current grant models often disincentivize high-quality jobs by obsessing over program-restricted support and low overhead. A new type of grant model could help via intentional investments in internal systems, compensation, and the overall well-being of the nonprofit workforce. [Nonprofit Quarterly]

How investment approaches are enhancing corporate social impact. UK firms are increasingly moving beyond traditional corporate giving toward social impact investing, utilizing repayable and catalytic capital to create lasting systemic change. This “impact-first” capital allows funds to be recycled and combined with commercial investments to scale solutions for inequality and education. [Macquarie Group Foundation]

Nonprofits Don’t Win Alone. Nonprofits thrive when funders provide flexible, multi-year general operating support and act as a learning partner rather than a monitor.. [Walter & Elise Haas Fund]

Leadership + Management

False claims actions fanning anti-progress flames. U.S. federal contractors and grant recipients— who collectively employ millions of Americans and bring positive social impact abroad— currently face an impossible choice: continue diversity efforts and risk catastrophic legal exposure, or abandon commitments to equity and watch hard-won progress evaporate. [BE4SI]

The Human Side of Workplace Transitions. These are deeply human experiences that involve grief, loss of identity, and uncertainty. Here’s a framework for individuals to leave well while helping organizations navigate these changes with care and intention. [Tamarack Institute]

Non-Profit Consultant Rates 2025 Survey. The average hourly rate for nonprofit consultants has reached $159, with a noticeable shift toward value-based pricing and project-based models. Specialized expertise in areas like AI technology, fundraising, and executive coaching correlates with the highest rates in the sector. [Nonprofit.ist]

For Every USD $100 Foundations Give, Only 19 Cents Go to Volunteer Support Despite being essential drivers of impact, volunteers represent a significant funding blind spot for foundations, which rarely invest in volunteer management infrastructure. Professionalizing volunteer engagement roles and increasing public and private funding to support this workforce are essential. [Nonprofit Quarterly]

Leading Volunteers as a Volunteer. “Accidental leaders” who manage teams in volunteer organizations often feel overwhelmed due to a lack of formal training and structure. Effective leadership requires making specific, clear asks for help and the creation of a leadership circle to prevent burnout. [Better Impact]

The Strengths Small and Midsize Nonprofits Build on to Create a Resilient Funding Strategy Small nonprofits can maintain stability by leveraging seven key assets, including an executive who enthusiastically embraces fundraising and the courage to say no to misaligned money. Deep roots in the community and strong connections with peer organizations further strengthen an organization’s ability to survive volatile times. [Bridgespan Group]

Our BE4SI Social Impact Leadership newsletter shares news and notes for leaders and teams in Central and Eastern Europe (and beyond). It is 100% reader-supported and independent of advertising or corporate sponsorship.

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Fundraising

How to Talk to Your Funders About Your Crisis. During a crisis, executive directors must maintain transparency and candor with funders to build trust and treat them as partners. It is critical to provide funders with specific alternatives and solutions rather than simply asking for a check to cover shortfalls. [La Piana Consulting]

How to Build a Funding Crisis Response Plan and Stabilize Your Nonprofit. Nonprofits must track four financial gauges to identify where stability is most at risk. A crisis response plan should focus on one or two priorities and activate the board to pull forward giving or run stabilization appeals. [Prosper Strategies]

What Causes so Many Fundraisers to Leave their Jobs? High attrition in fundraising is primarily driven by a lack of organizational support, toxic cultures, and a failure to invest in necessary infrastructure. When fundraisers are isolated from decision-making or forced to perform too many unrelated tasks, they become dissatisfied and leave the field. [Clairification]

We can’t fund the future with yesterday’s models. The global funding system for social and climate justice is at an inflection point, requiring a shift away from short-term, donor-driven grants toward relational financial models that center collaboration and shared risk. NGO leaders are encouraged to prioritize overall financial health by diversifying their funding mix to include community-based or market-linked revenue. [LinkedIn]

Create a Fundraising Plan that Plays to Your Strengths. Successful fundraising plans should leverage personal team strengths and organizational assets, such as a compelling mission or facilities that make for excellent tours. Identifying what team members are naturally good at makes the work easier, more productive, and more sustainable. [Get Fully Funded]

Grant Writing Isn’t Overhead — It’s Infrastructure. Investing in grant systems and dedicated staff is essential infrastructure that allows small nonprofits to compete for the $1.5 trillion awarded annually. When grant writing is treated as a sideline task, organizations risk losing vital funding streams when that person leaves. [Blue Avocado]

Donor Acquisition vs. Retention: Why They’re Both Critical. While acquisition expands reach, retention is significantly more cost-effective, costing only $0.20 per dollar raised compared to $1.50 for a new donor. Both are vital for long-term sustainability, and organizations should track both rates to fine-tune their strategies. [Foundation Group]

Unresponsive Donors: A Smarter Way to Respond. Donor silence is often a signal of a messy personal life rather than rejection of the mission; fundraisers should respond with empathy instead of pressure. Organizations must control basics like prompt thanking and clear impact reporting. [Bloomerang]

Raise More Money: Get Rid of Marketing & Communications: Effective fundraising messaging is often emotional and messy, focusing on what donors care about rather than organizational successes. Should your marketing and communications team report to the fundraising department to ensure that all messaging is donor-driven and focused on solving societal problems? [Future Fundraising Now]

How to Bridge Belonging in your Narratives? Nonprofits can build truer belonging by using plain language that allows community members to recognize themselves in a mission without having to shrink or translate their identity. Narrative infrastructure should be community-owned, centering the voices of those closest to the work. [Big Duck]

Governance

What Great Board Chairs Have in Common (Even When They Lead Differently). There isn’t one “right” leadership style for Board Chairs, but there is a right orientation. Accountability isn’t about pressure or control, it’s about partnership. Some of the most important governance work happens behind the scenes. [Rise & Run]

More Than Fiduciary Oversight – How Board Members Can Support the Grant Writing Team. Boards should move beyond financial monitoring to support grant success by sharing lived experience, making funder introductions, and writing letters of support. Recognizing grant professionals’ expertise is critical for morale. [Assel Grant Services]

5 Common Traps Boards Face When Hiring a Nonprofit CEO. When hiring a new executive director, boards should focus on the organization’s future needs rather than cloning the outgoing leader, using a deliberate, structured process that reflects current strategy, culture, and challenges. [Social Impact Architects]

When Fear Becomes the Governing Force: Restoring Lawful Mission Clarity and Sound Governance. Political targeting can cause boards to govern from fear, leading to self-silencing and retreat from mission values. Boards must distinguish harassment from legitimate enforcement and remain grounded in mission clarity. [LinkedIn]

Group Exemptions Are Back. After five years of waiting, the IRS reinstates the process for national central organizations in the U.S. to extend tax-exempt status to their local chapters. [Adler & Colvin]

Impact Measurement

Impact measurement helps organizations as well as their funders and stakeholders. Through data, social impact organizations can achieve greater clarity, certainty, and consistency in their work while also gaining insights towards genuine change. [GoodFinance, Cartier Women’s Initiative]

When KPIs Clean Up the Mess: Teaching Leaders to Read Dashboards Without Losing Sight of Reality. KPI dashboards simplify complexity but often hide operational messiness. Leaders must read dashboards with discernment, recognizing that every metric reflects specific human values and tradeoffs. [ASAE]

The Impact Mafia. Impact investing has become a networking smokescreen prioritizing talk over capital deployment. The resulting metrics mirage emphasizes glossy numbers rather than real systemic change. [LinkedIn]

Measuring the Impact of Our Catalytic Capital: Measuring impact is no easy feat for most organizations. It’s especially challenging when you’re both a grantmaking institution and an impact investor, with a large portfolio across sectors. Metrics may change, but keep the methodology simple, to allow for refinements and greater insights across the impact journey. [MacArthur Foundation]

2026 Nonprofit Communications Trends. While nonprofit communications has become more sophisticated, internal systems and budgets have not caught up to support overworked staff. Most teams struggle not from a lack of knowledge, but because of external pressures and a lack of authority to set strategic priorities. [Nonprofit Marketing Guide]

Admin Notes

Business English for Social Impact works with NGOs, social enterprises, and nonprofit organizations with fundraising, grantwriting, organizational development, capacity building— and English-language communication skills. Since 2015, we’ve worked with social impact organizations in Central and Eastern Europe, the United States, and beyond.

As a paid BE4SI subscriber, you get full access to our complete archives. That’s 200+ articles (and counting). New content gets added every few days, so there’s always something waiting for you. 🗄️

Questions? Feedback? Suggestions? Let us know!

🟢 Substack: be4si (page) and @be4si (profile)

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🟢 Email: info@turnerer.com

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© 2026 Ryan Turner/BE4SI. All rights reserved. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). You’re welcome to share, copy, redistribute, or adapt anything you find here—even for commercial purposes—as long as you clearly credit me as the original author. No need to ask for permission first. Just don’t imply my endorsement or edit things in a way that misrepresents me.

December is the first month of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the first month of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. For some it’s a celebratory festive time. For others it’s a solemn period of solitude.

It’s a month for both Sagittarius and Capricorn, as well as the narcissus and turquoise. The archer and the goat, a vibrant plant with the power to harm and potential to heal, and a stone that’s both fragile but protective.

December is a month of contradictions that somehow holds itself together. It asks us to do what it has always done: acknowledge the challenge, trust the light that’s still there, and leave room for what comes next. ❄️

More after the photo break…

Our BE4SI Social Impact Leadership newsletter shares news and notes for leaders and teams in Central and Eastern Europe (and beyond). It is 100% reader-supported and independent of advertising or corporate sponsorship.

Subscribe now

Civil Society

In 2026, Cyprus and Ireland will each hold the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with Cyprus serving from January to June and Ireland from July to December. The Presidency is responsible for chairing Council meetings, steering legislative negotiations, and coordinating positions among EU member states. While largely procedural, the role gives each country meaningful influence over the EU’s policy agenda during its six-month term and attracts early attention from EU institutions, governments, and stakeholders ahead of key decisions. [Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, Government of Ireland]

Looking ahead to 2026, a number of European countries — both EU and non-EU — are due to hold elections. Some dates are fixed by constitutional cycles, while others remain provisional and could shift if early elections are called. The calendar points to a politically active year across Europe, with multiple transitions potentially shaping domestic agendas and regional dynamics.

• Kosovo: parliamentary election | December 2025

• Portugal: presidential election | January 2026

• Bulgaria: parliamentary election | early 2026; (presidential election | 2026 tbd)

• France: municipal elections | Spring 2026

• Slovenia: parliamentary election | March 2026

• Germany: multiple state elections | March–September 2026

• Hungary: parliamentary election | April 2026

• Iceland: municipal elections | May 2026

• Cyprus: parliamentary election | May 2026

• Armenia: parliamentary election | June 2026

• Sweden: parliamentary election | September 2026

• Czechia: senate elections (partial) | Autumn 2026

• Bosnia and Herzegovina: general election | October 2026

• Latvia: parliamentary election | October 2026

• Denmark: parliamentary election | November 2026

• Estonia: presidential election (indirect) | 2026 tbd

  ---

Philanthropy

GivingTuesday 2025 shattered records with 38.1 million Americans donating USD $4 billion. [Giving Tuesday]

“Every great movement begins with someone willing to take a risk. That’s what philanthropy is; private resources and initiative to help solve public problems. And it’s why the world still needs it now more than ever.” [Fortune]

What’s happened to impact investing? Is what we used to be patient, concessionary capital is now just a confused blend of philanthropy and market investing that fails both missions? [Stanford Social Innovation Review] Or, maybe we were wrong to treat impact investments like a solution instead of a tactic. After all, without policy, standards, and ecosystem infrastructure, the bridge just leads nowhere. [LinkedIn]

“Despite the uptick in foundation chatter about the vital role that narrative plays in advancing social, political, and economic transformation in the long term, this rhetoric is not reflected in the material reality of what most foundations are actually funding.” [Nonprofit Quarterly]

Is it possible to drag philanthropy out of reactive mode, towards a more inclusive, diverse, and proactive sector? One that doesn’t just respond to crisis but imagines tomorrow before it arrives? [Alliance]

Catalytic capital can be used to fill the biggest financing gaps in social and environmental markets—particularly where risk‑averse mainstream money won’t go. But effectiveness depends on clear strategic steps to put early, flexible capital to work where it actually unlocks bigger pools of investment. [Catalytic Capital Consortium]

Voluntary Sector Review invites submissions for a special issue on improving evaluation in philanthropy— particularly how donors, communities, and fundraisers evaluate philanthropic actions, and how evaluation can better capture real impact and avoid harm. Both full academic research and shorter practice-oriented papers are encouraged. Submissions due: 17 January 2027. [Voluntary Sector Review]

NGO Management

“The most mission-focused action you can take is to build systems worthy of your cause. Stop using “authenticity” or “scrappiness” as a cover for dysfunction. Stop being so enamored with your vision that you refuse to see the operational flaws.“ [Stanford Social Innovation Review]

Interesting research from France goes into the space between recruitment and retention to examine the importance of recognition and rewards given to volunteers by organizations. [Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly]

A compensation framework helps organizations navigate the delicate, sometimes complicated, issues surrounding salaries for paid staff. It also positions organizations to operate from their values in alignment with their budgets. [Nonprofit Board Stories]

Some boards are functional. Other boards are vital. What’s the distinction? Their investment in the success of the organization, the leadership, and their own collective constructive influence. [The Bridgespan Group]

“When you’re the board member who asks great questions and genuinely wants to learn, who opens doors and shares resources, who trusts expertise while maintaining oversight, who builds up rather than tears down—you become the hero in the story.” [Nonprofit Funding Made Easy]

Good organizations thrive with good boards. Good boards require good clear guidance, collected knowledge, and sound orientation. Good board manuals are essential— but don’t need to be complicated. [BoardSource] And before you agree to join a board, make sure you ask some essential questions first. [Santa Fe Community Foundation]

Fundraising

Why are so many nonprofits chasing vanity metrics that really don’t measure anything? [Agents of Nonprofit]

Nonprofits are facing increasing challenges: rising costs, exploding social needs, political instability, shrinking civic space, and changing funding.
At the same time, digital technology and AI are profoundly transforming the way people and teams are working. This opens up new opportunities, but also key questions of skills, ethics and readiness for change. Nonprofits continue to evolve their fundraising strategies In response to the pressures. [European Nonprofit Pulse 2025]

For the end-of-year/giving season period, Be4SI Substack is sharing

1. recommendations for funders to apply unallocated funds for greater philanthropic impact. [more];

2. suggestions for ways individual donors can increase the impact of their charitable donations and contributions. [more];

3. fundraising tips for alternative / non-traditional giving options to help nonprofits/NGOs make the most of the end-of-year giving season. [more]

🍵 🍃☕ 🍂 Help us to stay 100% ad-free and independent. Send some caffeinated love our way as we bring you more info below. Your tips, gifts, and donations give us the added boost to keep things flowing. Many thanks⚡🫶🏾 💫

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Opportunities We’re Watching

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It’s November here in Central and Eastern Europe. One of two things is linguistically true. It’s either the month of “falling leaves” a la listopad (Czech, Polish) and листопад (Ukrainian). Or it’s the “ninth month” inherited from the old Latin calendar—Slovak november (Slovak, Hungarian, German), noiembrie (Romanian), or ноември (Bulgarian). Yes, we know the whole “number 9” vibe no longer gels. But sometimes labels survive as administrative labels or bureaucratic hand-me-downs. It’s a classic case of poetry versus paperwork— the eternal struggle at the core of the inherent tension of the month in a nutshell. 🌰

More after the photo break…

Our BE4SI Social Impact Leadership newsletter shares news and notes for leaders and teams in Central and Eastern Europe (and beyond). It is 100% reader-supported and independent of advertising or corporate sponsorship.

Subscribe now

Civil Society

EU Directive for Adequate Minimum Wages: The Court of Justice of the European Union confirmed that the Minimum Wages Directive is valid, preserving its core collective bargaining obligations. The ruling gives renewed energy to the directive’s implementation process by putting renewed pressure on Member States to transpose its key provisions. [Social Europe, European Public Service Union]

Poland’s NGO Sector: Recent data, part of a long-term research series, offers insights on the structure, finances, human resources, volunteering, digitalization, cooperation patterns, and resilience of Polish NGOs at a time of significant challenges. [NGO.pl]

New EU Strategy for Civil Society: The European Commission unveiled a three-pillar strategy to strengthen civic space and resilience across the EU. Civil society reactions have been mixed: some stakeholders welcome the funding and protection measures while others see added conditionality, bureaucratic strings, or insufficient safeguards against political misuse. The strategy was announced in tandem with the European Democracy Shield, which sets out three priority areas: safeguarding the information space, strengthening free and independent media, and boosting civic engagement. [European Commission]

Resistance Against the EU Working Group on NGOs: A growing list of civil society organisations issued a joint letter urging members of the European Parliament to boycott the new Scrutiny Working Group on NGOs, warning it politicises oversight. They argue existing treaty-based procedures suffice and that the new Working Group risks institutionalising mistrust without evidence of wrongdoing. [Transparency International EU]

Backtrack on European Cross‑Border Associations: The ECBA Directive has been slated for withdrawal under the European Commission’s 2026 Work Programme. Civil society and philanthropy stakeholder networks warn the move will mean the absence of any legal framework for NGOs to operate across borders. The result would create fragmentation that further complicates multi-national/trans-national cooperation, advocacy, and grantmaking across EU member states. [European House, Civil Society Europe, Philea]

Concern Over “Digital Deregulation”: Civil society organisations are calling on the the EU to scrap proposed Digital Omnibus reforms. Concerns center around the weakening of core protections under GDPR, ePrivacy and the AI Act. The proposed changes would reframe the concept of “personal data,” loosen consent rights, and expand data exploitation by AI companies — undermining the very safeguards and digital human rights the EU had previously strengthened. [noyb, WITNESS, Civil Society Alliances for Digital Empowerment, Tech Policy Press]

EU Rule of Law Framework Losing Traction: Most recommendations simply repeated as rhetoric year after year— and only a tiny fraction are actually implemented. This stagnation is a warning signal that current mechanisms are insufficient to enforce accountability or protect civic space. [Liberties.eu, EU Observer]

Germany’s civil society offers a glimpse of how counter anti-NGO narratives while preventing coordinated efforts intent on delegitimizing the sector [Maecenata Stiftung]

EU Culture and Heritage Policy: The Culture Compass for Europe is a strategic roadmap that aims to define what the EU intends to fund and support in terms of culture and heritage. In parallel, the civil society-driven Brussels Manifesto calls for at least 2% of the EU budget to be allocated to investments in heritage, and for cultural investments to include civil society voices in policies and budgets ahead. [Culture Compass for Europe, Europa Nostra]

UK’s mandatory volunteerism proposal for migrants: When government requires refugees and asylum seekers to undertake compulsory volunteering as a condition of being allowed to settle, is it truly “voluntary”— or exploitation? [Asylum Matters, The Guardian]

When people on the margins volunteer: Research from Denmark suggests that the transformative power of volunteerism isn’t about building job skills—it’s about being seen, valued, and trusted. Good organizations help people notice the strengths they already have, build confidence through real belonging, and reclaim a sense of worth that other institutions often overlook. [VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations

AU–EU Summit: The 7th African Union‑European Union Summit will take place 24–25 Nov 2025 in Luanda, Angola. The summit, marking 25 years of official cooperation, comes at a critical period for civil society globally. [European Union External Action]

Philanthropy

In the United States, both philanthropy and the nonprofit sector itself are having a reckoning on numerous fronts. Social justice organizations, progressive causes, and movement building efforts are wondering how— and to what extent— foundations, grantmakers, and donors will be willing and able to push forward with newer, better, and stronger commitments. At the same time, many stakeholders are still asking how we wound up with “nearly 2 million nonprofits, managed largely according to practices of private asset management.” [The Nation, Center for Effective Philanthropy, Proximate]

Funding is shrinking, societal needs are rising, and freedoms of association, assembly, and expression are increasingly constrained. Amid these challenges, charity lotteries offer a low-risk, citizen-driven, and highly scalable funding solution, with the potential to generate an estimated €10 billion annually for civil society organizations. [Association of Charity Lotteries in Europe]

Impact investing is entering a new phase in Europe, with institutional investors like pension funds and insurers now supplying the largest share of impact capital and pushing the field firmly into the mainstream. Despite economic and regulatory headwinds, the market has reached a critical mass and is poised for further growth. But EU policymakers need to resolve regulatory uncertainty around the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation — and the sector itself needs to avoid slipping into “impact washing.” [Impact Investor]

As large intergenerational wealth transfers increase in volume and frequency, younger generations are reshaping philanthropy and impact investing. Young wealth holders are also seeking opportunities for meaningful engagement with organizations and causes, alignment with their personal beliefs, and immediate clarity on outcomes. Luxembourg’s favorable tax and regulatory environment, which also helps facilitate cross-border/trans-national giving, is growing as a hub of choice for high net-worth individual and family philanthropy. [Forbes Luxembourg]

Anxious about asking for major gifts? You’re not alone [Neon One]

Europe’s concentration of extreme wealth is so great that financial power rests among a small elite able to shape prices, undermine public services, and drive the very crises they claim to solve through philanthropy. Unless the EU musters the political will to tax extreme wealth directly, the continent will continue drifting toward deeper inequality and exacerbated undermining of democracy. [Oxfam]

“Representation matters, in philanthropy as in other fields. To inspire others to give more, give better, and give more strategically, we need more role models, including the narratives of donors of color.” [Radiant Strategies]

Is crowdfunding a productive disruption, a failed revolution, an evolution of traditional giving— or something else entirely? [Journal of Philanthropy]

Save the Date

• 24 November: Circular Monday

• 25 November: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

• 26 November: World Sustainable Transport Day

• 27 November: Thanksgiving Day (US), National Day of Mourning (US)

• 28 November: Black Friday, Buy Nothing Day, Green Friday, Opt Outside Day, Bright Friday, Indie Friday, National Native American Heritage Day, National Day of Listening, You’re Welcomegiving Day

• 29 November: Social Enterprise Saturday, Small Business Saturday

• 30 November: Artists Sunday, Secondhand Sunday, Personal Space Day, Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare

• 1 December: Cyber Monday, World AIDS Day, Day Without Art

• 2 December: Giving Tuesday, International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

• 3 December: International Day of Persons with Disabilities

• 5 December: International Volunteer Day

• 10 December: International Human Rights Day

NGO Management

“Burnout is what happens when you work too hard. Trauma is what happens when the system becomes unpredictable and threatening.“ [Beyond Team Building]

Nonprofits are increasingly relying on consultants, due in no small part to the exodus of professionals from formal organizational roles. Nonprofit consulting as a field, however, remains fertile ground for research. [Public Management and Governance Review]

More organizations and boards are discussing mergers as a matter of necessity or pragmatism to maintain current programs and services. Mergers can also serve as strategic, proactive, value-creation courses of action. Partnerships, collaborations, alliances and other models may also offer alternatives. [Wall Street Journal, Forvis Mazars, Devex, Glick Davis and Associates, We are for Good, La Piana Consulting]

A net operating reserve is an unrestricted, board-designated fund that provides organizations with stability to ride out shocks, avoid panic decisions, and protect their mission. In a year filled with volatility, delayed payments, unpredictable funding, and rising costs, reserves are no longer a luxury— they’re a lifeline. [BDO]

Whether nonprofits are ready for AI is beside the point. Whether they are resourced for it probably is more relevant. [AI Equity Project]. The Mission-Based Cybersecurity Toolkit is a useful set of free resource designed for smaller organizations. [Global Cyber Alliance]

What’s In a Name? Maybe we’re not “non-” anymore? [Inside Philanthropy]

So, you want to start your own organization? Cool. Do you need to start your own organization. Uh… well… hmm… [LinkedIn, BE4SI]

Fundraising

Your organization could do something for Giving Tuesday. But if the effort is not truly about gratitude, then don’t expect the giving to happen. And if you’re not keen on building relationships, the giving has nowhere to grow. [Ann Green’s Nonprofit Blog, Julep]

You know, it’s really hard to fundraise when no one has heard of you, you have no idea why you’re raising funds, there’s no clear sense of who you’re trying to reach, what you’re trying to say, which gaps/friction exist between your stated actions and desired results. What to do, what to do… [Joanne Toller]

Matching grants turn every contribution into a bigger impact, energising both donors and campaigns while delivering measurable results. Despite being a surprisingly powerful tool, they are still underused, even among smaller organisations. By creating urgency, amplifying impact, and attracting new supporters, these campaigns can significantly boost donations and donor engagement at minimal cost. [European Fundraising Association]

Still ignoring donor-advised funds and qualified charitable distributions from your fundraising strategy? It’s time to stop. [NonProfit Times]

The Fundraising Fitness Test offers organizations a comparative framework through which to assess the health of their efforts and identify potential strategic improvements. Based on extensive U.S. nonprofit and fundraising data, it uses over 100 performance indicators to help small to mid-sized organizations gauge performance trends. [Fundraising Effectiveness Project]

Four “magic tricks” to make your end-of-year fundraising appeal letters even more extra [Bloomerang]

🍵 🍃☕ 🍂 Help us to stay 100% ad-free and independent. Send some caffeinated love our way as we bring you more info below. Your tips, gifts, and donations give us the added boost to keep things flowing. Many thanks⚡🫶🏾 💫

Buy Us a Matcha or Espresso

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Autumn is a quietly intense time for those who honor, celebrate, and observe the seasonal shift in terms of faith, spirit, or simply belief. Across Europe, we’ve received many kind and generous gestures from friends and colleagues across cultures who’ve extended a place for us to learn more about their perspectives on this time of year.

From atonement via fasting to celebrating harvest, from completion to reformation and re-beginnings it’s been a month of appreciating light and sound. Not simply in terms of the senses, but also because of the presence of warmth. The vibrations of small and large movements outdoors and inside.

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Cooler air. Mornings take longer to arrive. Less scanning, more focus. October arrives without announcing itself. It’s Fair Trade Month and Global Diversity Awareness Month— both encouraging sensemaking around interconnectedness, inclusion, and impact.

This month also holds World Mental Health Day, the International Day of the Girl Child, the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, Global Ethics Day, World Food Day, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, UN Day, Global Media and Information Literacy Week, and World Cities Day— reminders of resilience, dignity, and connection.

Our BE4SI Social Impact Leadership newsletter shares news and notes for leaders and teams in Central and Eastern Europe (and beyond). It is 100% reader-supported and independent of advertising or corporate sponsorship.

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Civil Society

The European Commission’s public consultation and call for evidence on the first-ever EU Anti-Poverty Strategy remain open until 24 October 2025. This initiative aims to provide essential protection to people and tackle the root causes of poverty, with a focus on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, improving access to education and employment, and providing social protection and support to vulnerable groups. Citizens, experts and organisations are invited to give their input. [more]

In early October 2025, a coalition of over 50 European networks representing social services, civil society, trade unions, and education providers issued a joint statement assessing the European Commission’s proposed EU budget for 2028–2034. The statement raises concerns that the loss of dedicated European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) budget lines, elimination of minimum earmarks for social inclusion and child poverty, and weakened regional participation could undermine the EU’s stated social ambitions despite a proposed €100 billion for social spending. The coalition calls for stronger safeguards and dedicated social funding to ensure commitments translate into tangible impact. [more]

During Summer 2025, at least 30 European health NGOs publicly reported serious delays in reimbursements and grant disbursements via the European Commission’s EU4Health program despite signed partnership agreements extending back to 2024. Some organizations warned that the delays jeopardized essential services and forced mass layoffs. No formal resolution, timeline, or explanation has been communicated despite repeated Commission assurances. This raises serious questions about reliability and institutional support at a time when health systems are under increasing pressure. [more and more]

In late September 2025, reports from a closed-door meeting indicate that the EU’s health commissioner described EU operating grants — the core funding many NGOs rely on for day-to-day functions and staff — as “illegal.” The reported comment sparked alarm and immediate outrage among civil society groups. [more] Operating grants have been a traditional routine practice in EU funding. New operating grants for health NGOs were quietly halted in spring 2025. This reportedly forced several health programs and services to close or scale down. A number of major European health NGOs and patient advocacy groups have submitted a formal complaint to the European Ombudswoman concerning the 2025 EU4Health operating grant procedure. [more}

The EU health commissioner, who also oversees animal welfare issues within their portfolio, is currently facing separate criticisms over concerns around live transport, calf welfare, and compliance with existing EU animal-protection standards. These disputes, which have been public since spring 2025, signal broader friction between the Commissioner and organized advocacy groups beyond the health sector. [more]

A survey conducted by Ipsos for Amnesty International and Global Witness found that approximately 75% of Europeans believe large companies should be held accountable for human rights and environmental harms in their value chains. [more] A new report from Infra4NextGen examines how European young people view climate change, the environment, and policies for a sustainable future— drawing upon extensive data from the European Social Survey, European Values Study, and International Social Survey Programme. [more]

Over 150 European civil society organizations issued a joint letter in late September to EU leaders, calling for an immediate moratorium on the approval and construction of new waste incineration facilities across the European Union. [more] In early October, 12 American civil society organizations urged the European Commission to resist U.S. government pressure to delay or weaken EU deforestation rules. [more]

The European Commission continues to develop the EU Civil Society Strategy 2026–2030. Public consultation for the strategy closed in September 2025, with more than 400 formal submissions from civil society organizations, advocacy groups, researchers, and individuals. All submissions and background materials are available on the Commission’s “Have Your Say” portal [link]. The Commission is expected to formally adopt the strategy in early 2026— after which the focus will shift to implementing the goals into specific policy measures, funding programmes, and monitoring mechanisms.

Following investigative media reports by Direkt36, Der Spiegel, and De Tijd, the European Commission confirmed an internal security investigation into allegations that Hungarian intelligence operatives attempted to recruit Commission during the 2015-2019 period. No specific charges or allegations have been made at this point. [more]

During 2025, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe has been commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. That foundational commitment by member states links human rights, democracy, and the rule of law to regional security and stability. Today, the OSCE is one of the few global platforms where active direct engagement between civil society and government is possible during conflict and peace. From early to mid October 2025, the Finnish Chairpersonship, with the support of Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, will convene the Warsaw Human Dimension Conference— dedicated to human rights and fundamental freedoms across the OSCE area. [more]

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Autumn begins on 22 September 2025. The leaves already are changing colors, a display of nature's force, and a distraction from a seemingly unrelenting stream of chaos. Changes are being signalled. Chlorophyll, carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, conjugations, bonds and beyond. The processes that make these changes possible depend on fading and decay. But it's also a time of revelation. A brief but vibrant window of opportunity to ride the decline, clear out unused spaces, and show what's been hiding. It’s not about what's obvious, it’s the sudden flare of bold yet dormant ideas and actions. That’s what changes everything from the ground to the sky.

Civil Society

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered the annual State of the European Union address on 10 September 2025. The speech to the European Parliament articulated Europe's strategic priorities across a wide range of areas, highlighted ongoing conflicts and crises, and reaffirmed democratic values and European unity. While proposals for Gaza reconstruction aid and continued Ukrainian military support were announced, the address largely avoided contentious economic challenges, political divides, and budget disagreements among member states. [More]

• The 2025 Global State of Democracy report from International IDEA highlights how global democracy is under widespread strain, with over half of assessed countries experiencing declines in at least one dimension of democratic performance over the past five years. [More] Across Europe, governments are increasingly restricting the right to protest, threatening democratic freedoms. Civil society is pushing back, showing resilience and solidarity through mass mobilizations that defend collective rights. [More]

• Young people around the world want to engage in political, civic, and economic life, but existing systems fail to provide meaningful opportunities. [More] Youth councils and youth organisations across Europe are facing growing pressure from shrinking civic spaces, political interference, and budget cuts. Youth work, however, remains essential for fostering social participation, political awareness, and democratic resilience. [More]

• Concerns grow about the European Commission’s deregulation agenda and its roll back of protections for workers, human rights, the environment, and digital freedoms. [More] The Commission’s proposed return regulation would expand detention, deportations, surveillance, and coercive measures at the expense of fundamental rights and migration protections. [More]

• Public accountability remains an emerging and underdeveloped field in many countries. The systemic capacity and professional skills needed to expose wrongdoing while preventing retaliation against whistleblowers depends on the cooperation between civil society and legal professionals. [More]

• U.S. attacks on Europe’s regulatory sovereignty threaten democracy and fundamental rights. [More] What are the 20 most important EU digital laws— and key EU digital strategy documents— every NGO should know? [More]

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Early September brings subtle shifts that catch your attention if you look closely. Fair weather on the first day supposedly signals a fair month. Any small change can lead to big storms later, as per whatever part of the larger rhythm you pick up on.

This time also carries a full Corn Moon, coming soon— a quiet illumination for the work done and that still remaining ahead. It also signals the International Days of Charity (5 Sep), Protecting Education from Attack (9 Sep), Democracy (15 Sep), and Peace (21 Sep).

This month also means a shout-out to Virgos and Libras while honoring the international commemorations of the Ozone Layer, Cardiology, and Science+Tech+Innovation for the Global South (all on 16 Sep), World Patient Safety Day (17 Sep), International Equal Pay Day (18 Sep), and World Cleanup Day (20 Sep).

Apples ripen, onions are nearly ready, and the heavier rains hopefully quench the ground without drowning the land. It’s a quietly busy month of shifts and transitions. So what’s going on with social impact?

Civil Society

• The international intergovernmental Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recently introduced a new procedure to address how its standards affect social impact organisations. Individual countries, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank can now formally raise concerns whenever FATF standards are applied in ways that disrupt legitimate NGO/nonprofit activity. It does not change how donations, transnational giving, remittances, or routine banking by nonprofits/NGOs are handled. [more]

• The UN Open-Ended Working Group on Cybersecurity concluded its five-year mandate. This diplomatic forum provided a global platform for negotiating norms and expectations around the action of nation-states online. A new, permanent UN mechanism for governments to continue these discussions is expected by March 2026. Despite limited space for NGOs and civil society, it could open an additional channel for government accountability and the promotion of responsible behaviours online at a time of heighted geopolitical divisions. [more]

• The European Commission has launched a consultation and call for expressions of interest for stakeholders regarding the development of a Code of Practice on transparent generative AI systems.

• Forus, a global network of NGO platforms, is building upon its previous research to inform civil society on the risks and opportunities of AI as a tool for inclusion, rights, and justice. [more]. And how can NGOs use AI responsibly? Here’s nine key points to consider. [more]

• Are community-rooted nonprofits that are 100% completely independent from government funding truly essential for a vibrant civil society? Is such independence even possible? [more]

• The annual State of the European Union (SOTEU) takes place on 10 September 2025 at 9:00 CEST. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will deliver her address to the European Parliament, outlining the Commission’s record and priorities for the year ahead. Her speech will be followed by a debate, where Members of the European Parliament will question the Commission, assess its work, and set out their own priorities. The session will be livestreamed in 24 languages. [more]

• Ahead the SOTEU, the Parliament has published its latest 2025 Eurobarometer survey, which spotlights EU citizens’ priorities for the future and their expectations of the EU. [more] And Europe’s most powerful political party really really really wants you to know how much it really really really hates NGOs. [more]

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Mid-August in Central and Eastern Europe has its own rhythm. The days are warm, sometimes heavy, but evenings carry a hint of the cooler season ahead. People are squeezing in one more trip, one more family outing, one more lazy afternoon. Shop windows fill with notebooks, pencils, and backpacks as the back-to-school murmur quietly builds momentum.

Fruit and vegetables are at their peak, garden watering runs deep, keeping roots cool through the heat. Pruning, staking, and dead-heading keeps plants in shape. Seeds are saved, cuttings taken, plans are made for harvests. From the beaches to the mountains, there’s a collective sigh as carefree time slowly subsides, and routines return into their places.

Our BE4SI Social Impact Leadership newsletter shares news and notes for leaders and teams in Central and Eastern Europe (and beyond). It is 100% reader-supported and independent of advertising or corporate sponsorship.

Subscribe now

Civil Society

The Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) project — the world’s largest dataset on democracy, covering 202 countries from 1789–2024 — now classifies Slovakia as an “electoral democracy,” alongside Austria, Poland, Romania, and others in the immediate region. Hungary, Georgia, Ukraine, Russia, and Türkiye are rated “electoral autocracies,” while Belarus remains a “closed autocracy.” By contrast, Czechia, Germany, and most Nordic and Western European states retain “liberal democracy” status. The 2025 Democracy Report and V-Dem Dataset v15 map out 25 years of global democratic change, measuring five core principles — electoral, liberal, participatory, deliberative, and egalitarian — and provide detailed country-level data for deeper analysis. (read more)

The European Media Freedom Act came into force on 8 August 2025. This EU level law aims to protect journalists, safeguard editorial independence, and promote transparency in media ownership. It requires large online platforms to give professional media outlets a 24-hour window before restricting content. The law also seeks to strengthen traditional media by promoting visibility, representation, and fairness in content distribution against social media platforms,. Protections against government interference and spyware are also included. Experts warn that some EU member states with illiberal or populist governments may resist enforcement. Key European Commission guidelines for recognizing media service providers are still pending. (read more)

A 7 August 2025 executive order from the U.S. White House now gives American political appointees direct control over U.S. federal grants funding. All awards must now align with administration priorities and can be terminated mid-project. The directive explicitly restricts funding for diversity, equity, inclusion, gender, LGBTQ+ rights, climate action, and certain scientific research, along with projects deemed “frivolous” or contrary to U.S. interests abroad. It also targets social science, public health, and media-related projects. The changes affect U.S. universities, research institutes, advocacy organizations, cultural groups, and international development implementers. Foreign NGOs that receive U.S. federal funds, or indirectly benefit through U.S. nonprofits, should assess their risk exposure and begin to consider non-federal funding options. (read more)

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August is the eighth month of the year and the last full month of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s the time when the fiery energy of Leo gives way to the practical focus of Virgo. It’s the peak viewing time for the Perseid meteor showers in the night sky. The Anglo-Saxons used to call this time of year “Weod month” because it’s when sometimes unwelcome intrusive plants grow rapidly.

Not all weeds are bad, and some even bring unexpected benefits when handled properly. How much growth you can actually control during the month is always an unpredictable thing. But what better time to get your home and NGO in order before the busy second half of the year begins?

Look for the gemstone peridot (aka the “evening emerald”), and the gladiolus and poppy flowers as symbols of strength, sincerity, and imagination. And may your back-to-school shopping be mercifully painless.

Our BE4SI Social Impact Leadership newsletter shares news and notes for leaders and teams in Central and Eastern Europe (and beyond). It is 100% reader-supported and independent of advertising or corporate sponsorship.

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Civil Society

• Foreign Affairs recently explored current trends affecting the NGO sectors in Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. The authors point to the effects of reduced U.S. assistance and insufficient EU funding on civil society in the region. [Free, registration required. Article link here.]

• Visegrad Insight released a policy brief, „Strengthening CSOs for Democratic Resilience in Central Europe,” making clear the need for flexible, core funding and emergency mechanisms that protect philanthropy and advocacy in the region. [Free. Article link here]

• The Civil Society State of the Union 2025 report from Civil Society Europe offers detailed policy solutions to a wide range of challenges currently facing EU citizens, institutions, and member states. (Download)

• Thinking of running online advertisements with an advocacy or political message in the EU this autumn? Your options just got smaller according to EU Techloop’s take on the EU Regulation on the Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising, set to take effect October 2025

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For this update, here’s to the strange intersections that emerge every year right around mid-July.

In Czechia, this time is okurková sezona ("cucumber season"/"silly season"). It means the time when nothing much is happening. 🥒

In the U.S., especially the American South, it is the dog days. It means the time when the weather is so oppressively hot, nothing much can happen. 🐶

So far, in 2025, both labels continue to live up to their names. 🙄

Our BE4SI Social Impact Leadership newsletter shares news and notes for leaders and teams in Central and Eastern Europe (and beyond). It is 100% reader-supported and independent of advertising or corporate sponsorship.

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EU and US haps for nonprofits/NGOs and philanthropy

This week, we shared with you our first look at the new European Union budget plan for 2028-2034. What does it all mean for NGOs, philanthropy, and civil society? Hopefully our starting point can help you, your teams, and partners/allies/stakeholders understand what’s ahead.

Earlier this month, we filled you in on the new tax bill that was passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law just before the 4 July 2025 holiday. The controversial new law will mean some big challenges for traditional grantmaking and nonprofit fundraising— but maybe some new opportunities for savvy donors and clever nonprofits.

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