[BE4SI] NGO Leadership Update - Issue #6
Our update on civil society, philanthropy, NGO leadership/management, and fundraising
Howdy, Ahoj, Čau, Cześć, Hallo BE4SI subscribers
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.
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]
Philanthropy
Worth Listening: Philanthropisms podcast episode on the impact of political populism on philanthropy and civil society. [more]
The Charities Aid Foundation’s 2025 World Giving Report: Charity Insights finds nonprofits worldwide facing a sharp rise in demand for their programs and services. At the same time, financial sustainability has become the sector’s dominant concern as funding tightens. In Europe, charities report being the least connected to key stakeholders—from partnerships within and beyond the sector to understanding how donors perceive them. Across all regions, the message is clear: without more flexible, long-term funding—particularly for core costs—charities risk being overwhelmed just as communities’ needs continue to escalate. [more]
Bank of America and Indiana University released a study examining charitable giving by affluent U.S. households (net worth over USD $1 million or annual income over USD $200,000). In 2024, 81% of affluent households donated to charity with an average gift of $33,219—more than ten times the general population—though the share of affluent donors has declined from 91% in 2015. Personal values remain the strongest motivator for giving, with 68% of donors guided by personal beliefs, while volunteering rebounded to 43% participation after pandemic lows. [more]
According to a study by HSBC affluent women are moving away from prestige-driven giving toward personal, community-focused philanthropy— with top areas including family support (41%), human services (36%), and health causes (30%). Younger women and women of color report higher financial confidence than older generations, with Gen Z and Millennials placing greater importance on giving to education, civil rights, and local causes. [more]
Solidarity Philanthropy: Redefining Philanthropy’s Relationship to Social Movements is a recent report from Grassroots International. Building upon 40 years of work, it presents a framework to transform the sector to better support social and ecological justice. It emphasizes the importance of aligning philanthropic practices with social movements led by frontline communities with the ultimate goal of reshaping the philanthropic ecosystem into a force for movement support and resource redistribution. [more]
The Sillerman Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy at Brandeis University promotes social justice philanthropy through education, publications, and programming for grantmakers and donors in the United States. Youth Philanthropy, Building Community, and Giving Back, is an executive summary and case study examining how participatory grantmaking involving young people develops leadership skills, community engagement, and a sense of belonging among young participants. [more]
NGO Leadership
For decades, people warned that professional management would ruin nonprofits—kill their missions, silence community voices, and turn them into soulless corporations. New research proves that’s wrong. [more]
An estimated 33,500 NGOs work in heritage sector across Belarus, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Ukraine. “Mapping of the Central and Eastern European Non-Governmental Heritage Sector,” a recent report from the Europa Nostra Heritage Hub in Kraków in cooperation with Centrum Cyfrowe, outlines the needs and challenges of these organizations— as well as the motivations and concerns of the people who enable these groups to function. [more]
Adaptive governance embraces change as a constant rather than an exception. Instead of locking decisions into fixed plans, it builds in room to listen, adjust, and act as new information emerges. It encourages boards and leaders to share authority, test ideas, learn from outcomes, and revise course without shame or delay. For NGOs seeking ways to move faster when conditions change, to stay aligned with their mission even under pressure, and to maintain trust with the people they serve adaptive governance offers a way to navigate uncertainty with intention rather than reaction. [more]
Fast Forward’s 2025 AI for Humanity Report reveals both early momentum and sharp resource gaps among nonprofits. It spotlights two main groups: AI-powered nonprofits, where AI is central to mission delivery, and traditional nonprofits using AI behind the scenes to boost efficiency. While adoption is spreading across budgets and geographies, most organizations report that meaningful scale hinges on philanthropic investment in tools, talent, and infrastructure. [more]
Foundations, endowment funds, reserve pools, donor-advised funds, scholarship funds, or other organizations structured around managing long-term capital require solid leadership, trustworthy boards, and sound management to ensure not only compliance but strong financial performance to ensure long-term sustainability. For any social impact organization that holds responsibility for managing invested funds, an investment policy statement is a must. [more]
How do you lead a nonprofit team that someone else built? An open mind and appreciation for your team’s knowledge and experience goes a long way. [more]
Fundraising
On 10 October 2025, new EU rules governing political advertising took effect. The main focus of the rules are (1) disclosure of sponsors, costs, and targeting method; (2) restrictions on how personal data can be used for targeting; and (3) banning foreign sponsored political ads in advance of elections in EU member states. The new rules do not apply to any views expressed in a personal capacity and editorial content. [more] Rather than complying with the new rules, Google, Meta, and Microsoft announced blanket bans on all political ads running on their platforms in the EU. [more] As a further complication, the European Commission issued guidelines only days before the rules kicked in— including specific clarification that awareness ads and fundraising campaigns by NGOs should not automatically be considered political advertising. [more]
Microsoft suddenly decided to end its Ads for Social Impact grants. The program provided free ad credits to NGOs/nonprofit organizations— one of the few such corporate philanthropy initiatives to do so. Final awards will be made on 30 November 2025, at which time organizations will have just 45 days to use the funds/credits before being charged full rates for ads. [more]
Which matters most: handwritten or printed thank you notes? And does adding a “thank you in advance” message make any difference in donor appreciation communication? The findings from a large research study might surprise you and your fundraising team. [more]
“No money, no mission. You’ve got to have the funds to do that, so you can’t be shy about it.” Check out the What the Fundraising podcast [more]
Not every individual donor gives individually. Make sure your organization includes giving circles as a potential source. [more]
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Put a little fuel in our tank for the next one!
Opportunities We’re Watching
[Due 13 October 2025] The Supporting Act Foundation by WeTransfer is hosting its fourth annual Impact Grant program. Ten unrestricted grants of €50,000 each (paid as €25,000 per year over two years) are available to arts-focused nonprofits that provide non-financial support to emerging artists from underrepresented groups. Eligible organizations must be registered—or work with a fiscal host—in Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, or the UK. Grant funds can support core costs including salaries, rent, programming, or organizational development. [Details]
[Due 22 October 2025] The British Council offers grants of up to £10,000 for cultural organizations in Ukraine—specifically creative hubs and professional associations or unions—to support their development under the 2025–2026 Creative Economy Grants programme. Activities can include audience research, new services, improving digital accessibility, upgrading infrastructure, conducting sector studies, or enabling mobility within Ukraine, the UK, or the EU. Eligible applicants must be officially registered Ukrainian cultural organizations whose core activity aligns with creative hub functions or sectoral representation; individuals and sole entrepreneurs are not eligible. Applications must be submitted in Ukrainian, with reporting in English. [Details]
[Due 1 November 2025] The Conflict Research Society’s Sydney Bailey Fund offers small grants of up to £1,000 to support PhD students conducting dissertation research on peace and conflict. Funding covers research activities such as fieldwork or data collection (but not conferences or equipment). Open to candidates of any nationality, especially where no other institutional or external funding is available. Recipients are expected to present at the CRS annual conference, submit a brief report, and record a short video on their research. [Details]
[Due 10 November 2025] 100x Impact Accelerator invites ambitious social ventures (nonprofit or for-profit) ready to scale. Open to ventures from around the world with proven reach working one of eight areas: Climate & Environment, Democracy, Happiness & Wellbeing, Education, Equitable Economies, Health & Social Care, New Frontiers, and Refugees & Cohesion. Selected organizations will enter a 12-week accelerator offering strategic support, mentorship, access to investment and policy networks, and in-person sessions at the London School of Economics. [Details]
[Due 18 November 2025] The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation provides support for civil society initiatives protecting and strengthening human rights defenders in ODA-eligible countries (including Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Kosovo, Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina). Grants are targeted to: protection and emergency support, stronger systems and institutions, and increased visibility and advocacy. Priority focus: women’s rights, LGBTQI+ rights, freedom of expression, religious freedom, labour rights, disability rights, and democratic governance. Open to NGOs/nonprofits— including international, regional, and Norwegian entities— with proven experience and operational capacity. Grants can cover project/programme support or core organizational support, with a total indicative budget of NOK 600 million over four years. [Details]
[Due 19 November 2025] The UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women and Girls invites civil society organizations to apply for funding to strengthen resilience and deliver services, prevention, and advocacy. Priority will be given to women-led, women’s rights, constituent-led, and small organizations. Grants range: USD $150,000 to $800,000 through four-year awards. Funds can cover core, flexible, and programmatic funding to support essential services, behavior-change prevention, and improvements in legislation, policy, and accountability systems. Eligible countries include Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Republic of Moldova, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine, and all other countries listed as recipients of Official Development Assistance by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. [Details]
[Due 19 November 2025 ] The National Geographic Society invites proposals from around the world for The Future of Learning, The Future of Our Planet. The program will fund innovative pilot projects, scaling proven learning solutions, or research that equips learners of any age with the skills, attitudes, and knowledge to protect the planet. Both formal and informal education contexts are encouraged. Priority given to interdisciplinary approaches and measurable impact on both learners and planetary well-being. Grants range: USD $20k-100k Open to individuals aged 18+ (no academic degrees/credentials required). [Details]
Closing Dose of Business English
In English, there are distinct words for cardinal and ordinal numbers. Cardinal numbers reflect a quantity. Ordinal numbers reflect a position or rank.
In daily speech and writing, we know how to count from “one” to “ten”. We watch with anticipation as items shift from “first” to “tenth” place on to-do lists. Heck, there’s even room for “zero” to claim its rightful place-- although it might be a challenge to rightfully say “zeroth,” “zerost,” “zerond,” or “zerord” without grinning.
But English contains a tricky counting quirk, as ordinal number words have two faces. For every “first” there is a “primary”. For every “second” there is a “secondary”. For every “third” there is a “tertiary”. Wait, what?!?
Yes, the count is never as simple as it seems. And in business communications, the temptation to Latinate is often too great to resist. We don’t identify just audiences as long as we can have “primary audiences.” We don’t think of concerns, when we have the option of “secondary concerns.” And why settle for stakeholders when you have room for “tertiary stakeholders”?
Notice you won’t find so many “first audiences,” “second concerns,” or “third person perspectives”-- first glances, second thoughts, and third takes notwithstanding.
Herein lies the rub. Most business communications only reach a “third” of what they could actually be. George Miller’s influential 1956 research identified the “magical number” of 7±2 “chunks” of information retained in short-term memory. More recent findings from Nelson Cowan and others suggest our short-term mental storage capacity is closer to 4±1 chunky items.
Before you start to fret, “chunking” is nothing to get choked up about. It’s just a way that we human people types (you know who you are), are able to remember certain things in certain ways. Consider, for example, how a single item (like an alphabet letter) can be grouped into a larger unit (like a word). For example, remembering the letters “FBICIA” is harder than remembering “FBI CIA,” because the latter groups the letters into two chunks instead of six.
For lists like “primary, secondary, tertiary…” stopping at three isn’t just tradition; it matches our attention span and memory limits. Beyond three, people start glossing over items or forgetting them entirely. Add to all this the realities of information overload. The more complex your information, the more layers of communication are involved. More text, more jargon, more competing stimuli. Any ordinal beyond tertiary risks gets lost in the mix.
Ordinals are no ordinary words. Used sparingly in small sets, they can sound elegant and be read with a smooth casual cadence that makes any list of items feel considered and well-thought. As soon as you add one too many, however, these particular words can seem ornamental, obscure, or even pretentious.
No matter what, here’s hoping your efforts towards a successful quaternary quarter don’t get derailed by quinary queries from senary stakeholders demanding septenary solutions to octonary obstacles in nonary... wait, what was I saying? Oh right—may this denary month of October bring brighter results with fewer syllables.
Admin Notes
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Opal and tourmaline, calendula and cosmos. Symbols of creativity, hope, balance, protection, grief, and healing. It’s no coincidence October also hosts the International Day of Care and Support, World Homeless Day, the International Day of Rural Women, World Statistics Day, and the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage. Near month’s end, the clocks fall back across much of Europe and the U.K. — a small, universal act of quiet labor, adjustment, repairs, and maintenance, the kind that gets skipped when the pace is too fast.
Thanks, Děkuji, Díky, Dzięki, Danke. ☀️
Business English for Social Impact works with NGOs, social enterprises, and nonprofit organizations with fundraising, grantwriting, organization 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.
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