#OpenDialogue 23 Jan 2025: Reading the Tea Leaves – A critical continuing conversation for philanthropy
January 23, 2025 at 8am PST / 11 am ET / 4pm UK / 5pm CET / 6pm SAST
As we enter 2025, philanthropic networks worldwide are responding to an unprecedented convergence of challenges. The closing of civic space—from increased regulatory pressures in the Netherlands to financial restrictions in the United States—adds further to the exacerbation of the polycrisis, threatening the vital work of nonprofit organizations globally. This reality demands not just adaptation, but transformation in how philanthropy operates.
Global philanthropic networks are already pioneering innovative responses:
- The WINGS Network’s Philanthropy Transformation Initiative (PTI) brings together support organizations, academic centers, and funders to fundamentally rethink philanthropic practices in the face of existential challenges.
- Philea’s work on “futures philanthropy” emphasises futures thinking as essential to effective giving.
- The Independent Philanthropy Association South Africa (IPASA) drives conversations about reimagining philanthropy in the Global South.
- As the largest funder singularly decided to reducing the nuclear weapons threat, Ploughshares is a bridge between nuclear issues and other drivers of the polycrisis..
- The One Project serves the needs of communities in the ecosystem transition towards a post-capitalist humanitarian future.
These diverse approaches share a common thread: the recognition that effective philanthropy requires both global perspective and local responsiveness. Rather than becoming paralyzed by complexity, these networks are developing practical ways to strengthen civil society’s resilience.
Join the Conversation – register for your zoom link here
On January 23rd, 2025 (6PM SAST / 5PM CET / 4 PM UK / 11 AM ET / 8 AM PST), representatives from these leading philanthropic networks will gather for an interactive dialogue to:
- Share concrete examples of effective responses to civic space challenges
- Explore how different philanthropic approaches complement each other
- Build connections across global philanthropic networks
- Develop collaborative strategies for strengthening civil society
This conversation seeks to take stock of thinking at the start of 2025. It follows the release and publication of the Blueprint 2025 on January 16th (a conversation you can also regsiter to join here). This is a collaborative Funder’s Network conversation with the Resilience Funders Network, Impact Trust, IPASA (Independent Philanthropy Association of South Africa), Philea, WINGS, Ploughshares and others.
Conversation guides
Louise Driver holds the position of Executive Director of IPASA, the Independent Philanthropy Association of South Africa. Prior to joining IPASA, Louise was CEO of the Children’s Hospital Trust at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. She has a Business Science Honours degree in Social Marketing from UCT and 25+ years of funding, fundraising and development experience within in the philanthropy sector. She previously worked for Catholic Welfare and Development, for Old Mutual and MTN’s Corporate Social Investment projects and was MD of GreaterCapital, part of the GreaterGood SA group, developing and implementing effective CSI strategies for corporate partners. IPASA is a South African membership-based organisation, committed to building the philanthropy sector in South Africa to catalyse transformation both within the sector, and the country.
Sameera Mehra is Director of Collective Intelligence and Advocacy at WINGS. Before WINGS, Sameera was Head of Global Alliance and International Networks for Charities Aid Foundation (CAF). Sameera worked with partners across South Africa, India, Brazil, Russia, Turkey, Bulgaria, US, UK, Australia and Canada to grow giving and strengthen civil society resilience. WINGS is the only global network of philanthropy support and development organisations. We are a diverse community of more than 230 thought leaders and changemakers across 60 countries, who are committed to growing and strengthening philanthropy to ensure that it reaches its fullest potential as a catalyst for social progress.
Hanna Stähle leads Philea’s futures and innovation work, developing original research, publications and case studies and managing programmes to strengthen philanthropic community and inspire collaboration through the new art of convening. As Head of Foresight and Innovation, Hanna developed the strategy for Philea’s Futures Philanthropy initiative. She is the co-founder of PEX, a collective of over 400 philanthropy infrastructure practitioners working in more than 80 thematic, regional, local, national, European and global networks, led by a decentralised core team. Previously, Hanna worked with the Robert Bosch Foundation, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and German Association of Foundations. Philea nurtures a diverse and inclusive ecosystem of foundations, philanthropic organisations and networks working for the common good in over 30 countries in Europe and around the world. Its vision is for philanthropy to use its full potential to co-shape and support a pluralistic, just and resilient society that centres people and planet.
Emma Belcher is the President at Ploughshares Fund. She was previously the Director of Nuclear Challenges at the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. In partnership with the MacArthur Foundation board of directors and president, Belcher allocated roughly 20 million dollars in grants annually to organizations worldwide focused on nuclear policy. Prior to joining the MacArthur Foundation, Belcher published research on nuclear weapons at the Council on Foreign Relations as a Stanton Nuclear Security Fellow. She has also worked as an advisor in Australia’s Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet on national security and international affairs and as a public affairs officer at the Australian embassy in Washington, D.C. As the largest funder singularly dedicated to reducing the nuclear weapons threat, Ploughshares is a bridge between nuclear issues and other drivers of the polycrisis
Evan Steiner focuses on exploring the structural roots of global challenges through his work in new economics, governance, whole person development, and environmental sustainability. At One Project, he supports the new economy ecosystem through research, strategy, and program development. He also leads Whole Person Economy, where he provides consulting, education, and coaching on new economic concepts and practices. His previous experience includes developing incubator and accelerator programs for social entrepreneurs at Impact Hub and Social Capital Markets (SOCAP). He holds an MBA from Oxford University Saïd Business School with a focus on social finance, a Master’s in Environmental Management from UMUC, and a Bachelor’s in Music from Indiana University.”
Gerry Salole is an independent consultant specialising in international development and philanthropy, currently operating through his consultancy, “drawing conclusions”. He previously served as Chief Executive of the European Foundation Centre and has experience of having worked with organizations such as the Ford Foundation, Save the Children and Oxfam. Gerry is a Senior Advisor to the Africa-Europe Foundation. In addition to his consultancy work, Salole holds several board memberships, he’s the chair of the European Cultural Foundation, and sits on the Board of the Unicredit Foundation, The Evens Foundation, The Africa Capacity Building Foundation and the Impact Trust. He also teaches as an adjunct lecturer at the Centre for African Philanthropy and Social Investment at the Business School of the University of the Witswatersrand.
