What is DAFNE?
DAFNE is a network with its own governance structure bringing together 22 donors and foundations networks from across Europe. Each of these individually serves public benefit foundations and other grantmakers at national level. With a collective membership of over 6,000 foundations, DAFNE underpins the individual activities of its members by strengthening collaboration between the national associations and providing a platform for exchange of knowledge. The secretariat of DAFNE is hosted by the European FoundationCentre (EFC).
Together, DAFNE members
- Exchange national experiences and best practices
- Develop joint projects and programmes
- In close cooperation with the Brussels-based EFC:
- Organise the support of advocacy efforts at the European level
- Define common positions on European foundations’ regulatory and fiscal issues
Timeline
1990s
The 1990s were a time of growth for national donors and foundations networks across Europe, when many were in their startup or informal phase with a focus on defining their national space, developing membership services and agendas, and building up their track records at home.
1997
Given the diversity among these developing networks, opportunities to enrich each association’s activities by sharing best practices and increasing collaboration became quickly apparent. To leverage this potential, regular yet informal meetings of European donors and foundations networks – initiated and supported by the EFC since 1997 – proved to be helpful.
2006
In 2006 these informal gatherings took on new life when the Donors and Foundations Networks in Europe (DAFNE) was established. Although remaining an ‘informal’ network, DAFNE established an EFC-based secretariat, underpinned by a special alliance with the Centre.
2009
Signalling the maturation of the European foundation sector, and by extension the national associations themselves, in May 2009 DAFNE members officially endorsed the DAFNE Statutes, formally establishing the group’s own governance and membership fee structure.
Since 2009 DAFNE has been organising biannual meetings, one in winter and one in summer, of which the main aims are to agree on common strategies, as well as to build the capacity of network members.