Call for Submissions: Workshop on Global Philanthropy September 22–23, 2025 | University of Basel, Switzerland

The Center for Philanthropy Studies (CEPS) is pleased to announce a workshop on Global Philanthropy to be held from September 22–23, 2025 at the University of Basel. This two-day event aims to bring together scholars, as well as practitioners, and policymakers interested in academic research from around the world for an in-depth exploration of the evolving landscape of philanthropic giving, the changing roles of philanthropic institutions, and the potential of global philanthropic practices to foster sustainable and inclusive development.

Workshop Theme and Objectives

The global philanthropic sector is undergoing significant transformations. Donors, foundations, corporate entities, and community organizations increasingly seek to address transnational challenges such as climate change, poverty reduction, health inequities, education gaps, and human rights. This workshop seeks to:

• Examine emerging trends, strategies, and models of global philanthropy.
• Investigate the interplay between philanthropic organizations and public sector entities, as well as the social, economic, and political contexts that shape their work.
• Assess the impact of philanthropic interventions on local communities, global governance, and sustainable development goals.
• Explore ethical considerations, accountability measures, and transparency mechanisms within philanthropic endeavors.
• Identify pathways for meaningful collaboration and knowledge exchange between academia, civil society, philanthropic practitioners, and government agencies.

Virtual Attendance and Funding Support

Recognizing the financial barriers that may prevent some individuals from participating, virtual attendance will be an option for those unable to travel. Additionally, we are actively working to secure funding to support participants who lack the financial resources to attend in person, with particular attention to scholars and practitioners from underrepresented communities.

Suggested Topics

We invite submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

• Cross-Border Philanthropic Flows: The movement of philanthropic funds, ideas, and expertise across regions; the role of diaspora philanthropy.
• Comparative Philanthropy Studies: Contrasting philanthropic practices, approaches, and regulatory frameworks across different cultural or national contexts.
• Impact Assessment and Evaluation: Approaches, methods, and metrics used to measure the effectiveness and sustainability of philanthropic initiatives.
• Philanthropy and the SDGs: Ways in which philanthropic organizations contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on collaborative strategies.
• Technological Innovation in Philanthropy: The influence of AI, digital platforms, social media, and fintech solutions in shaping philanthropic giving and engagement.
• Ethical and Governance Dimensions: Accountability standards, transparency practices, power dynamics, and anti-corruption measures within the philanthropic sector.
• Power and Equity in Philanthropy: Examining the role of power dynamics, equity, and justice in the global transfer of philanthropic resources, with a focus on initiatives like #ShiftThePower and addressing structural imbalances.
• Philanthropic Alliances and Partnerships: The formation and impact of cross-sector coalitions involving NGOs, governments, foundations, corporations, and philanthropic networks.

Submission Guidelines

To participate, please submit an abstract of up to 500 words. Abstracts do not need a set structure but should contain information about the research questions, methods, data sources, and a brief description of the (expected) results. Abstracts must be submitted via the online submission portal by May 1, 2025. Notifications of acceptance will be sent out by May 15, 2025, and full papers (where applicable) are due by August 15, 2025. We are currently exploring the possibility of a special issue in a peer-reviewed journal.

Registration and Fees

Registration details, workshop fees, travel grants, and accommodation options will be provided on the conference website in early 2025.

Further information

This workshop has been deliberately scheduled just days before the 12th International Research Conference of the European Research Network on Philanthropy (ERNOP), which will be held on September 25–26, 2025, at the University of Heidelberg, Germany—only a two-hour train ride from Basel. This scheduling provides an excellent opportunity for participants to attend both events, creating a week-long exploration of philanthropy's role in addressing global and societal challenges.

Organizing Committee

• Dr. Dominik Meier, Assistant Professor of Global Philanthropy, Center for Philanthropy Studies (CEPS), University of Basel
• Dr. Georg von Schnurbein, Professor of Foundation Management, Center for Philanthropy Studies (CEPS), University of Basel
• Dr. Pamala Wiepking, Professor of International Philanthropy, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Indiana University; Professor of Societal Significance of Charity Lotteries, Center for Philanthropic Studies, VU Amsterdam
• Dr. Elizabeth Searing, Associate Professor of Public and Nonprofit Management at the University of Texas at Dallas; Adjunct Research Professor at Carleton University, Canada
• Dr. Marlene Walk, Professor in Public and Nonprofit Management at the Albert-Ludwigs-University in Freiburg
• Dr. Ben Suykens, Assistant Professor in Nonprofit and Public Management at Ghent University