It's not that easy to explain, as there aren’t all that many points of reference in Germany for what we do. Active Philanthropy believes that giving is a good thing. We do not, however, consider giving as an end in itself – primarily, it is about having impact. For this reason we are committed to nurturing a more active, result-orientated culture of giving in Germany and Europe as a whole.
Our approach: we help donors to engage in a more structured and strategic manner, in order to best reach their charitable goals. We do this by putting on workshops and expeditions for our clients (e.g. to Greenland on the subject of climate change), publishing guides and reports on topics relevant to their charitable work (e.g. ‘Making the World a better Place for all Children' discussing how best to help disadvantaged children that will be published soon), and offering consultancy on strategy and all aspects of charitable work.
With all that we do, we are particularly to keen to nurture dialogue and exchange of information and learnings between fellow donors. We are convinced that this interaction engenders an inspiring environment, and provides those involved with a wide-ranging portfolio of experiences and know-how.
Active Philanthropy is legally recognised as a non-profit limited liability company, and is not a foundation in the traditional sense. Commonly, however, non-profit ltd. companies, charitable societies, and trust foundations, are all described as ‘foundations’.
No, Active Philanthropy does not offer financial support. Active Philanthropy is itself supported by a small group of private benefactors. It is thanks to this support that we are able to execute our constitutional purpose of informing and inspiring donors.
Donors have access to a larger array of material to answer questions they may have from the legal, wealth, and management techniques aspects of a project.
Active Philanthropy sets itself apart from other, similar providers, by the nature of its focus: on content and strategy – the heart of the world of giving. Furthermore, as distinguished members of our field in Europe, we stand for a new and active entrepreneurial culture of giving.
Unfortunately we are not able to do this, as this runs contrary to our charitable status as an impartial advisor to donors.
Most projects or organization we recommend to our clients, emerged out of our network to ensure the high quality our clients can expect.
Nevertheless, Civil Society Organisations that are unknown to us are welcome to provide us with information about their work. If there is overlap with such an organisation’s work and our own (e.g. if the client’s intended cause is one that the Civil Society Organisation deals with), and as long as certain qualitative standards are reached, we will get in contact.
Yes, the Active Philanthropy publications are also available in print. You can order them either online at info@activephilanthropy.org, or by ringing 0049 (0) 30 240 88 240. Some products are available free of charge, whilst for others a small charge will be levied in order to cover a part of production costs. Please enquire about individual brochure pricing.
We are always on the look-out for actively involved donors who have, and are prepared to share, valuable experience and knowledge from which other donors can learn. The opportunity to do this is e.g. to tell "your donor's story" on the "how to start" section of this website as well as in the environment of our workshop and through our publications. If this has appealed to you, we would be delighted to hear from you, either by email at info@activephilanthropy.org or by ringing 0049 (0) 30 240 88 240.
The networking of similarly-minded/ similarly-orientated donors is one of Active Philanthropy’s top priorities. Our workshops and expeditions offer a regular opportunity for dialogue and for stories and experiences to be exchanged.
Active Philanthropy sets great store by its strict discretion. Every employee to come in contact with sensitive material is subject to stringent confidentiality agreements.
However we are always looking for charitably active individuals who agree to use our safe forum to share their experiences with fellow donors. Naturally, information will only be made available once express permission has been given by the author.
