Philea, the Philanthropy Europe Association, is a Brussels-based organisation resulting from the 2021 merger of two leading philanthropy bodies: Donors and Foundations Networks in Europe (Dafne) and the European Foundation Centre (EFC). The EFC began its work in 1989, and Dafne in 1997, both aiming to strengthen philanthropic activity across Europe. Today, Philea brings together individual philanthropies, foundations, and national associations from more than 30 countries, collectively representing over 10,000 public-benefit foundations.
These member organisations, according to Philea’s most recent data, account for over 175,000 public-benefit foundations in Europe, with assets of €516 billion and an annual expenditure of €76 billion. Philea’s headquarters remain at Philanthropy House in Brussels, maintaining continuity with the roots of both founding associations.
Philea works on a wide spectrum of activities including data research, policy advocacy, cross-border collaboration, innovation in philanthropy, and sector resilience. The organisation manages projects such as the European Philanthropy Coalition for Climate, which encourages tangible climate commitments from all philanthropic bodies, and Futures Philanthropy, which seeks to prepare European philanthropy for emerging societal challenges.
Recent project examples include participation in the FoodPaths project—promoting a fair and sustainable food system—and engagement with the Journalism Funders Forum, supporting independent European journalism. Philea also produces sector-wide reports, such as the 2025 “Fabric of Giving,” and briefings on topics like the threats to democracy in Europe. Its approach emphasises knowledge-sharing, peer exchange, and supporting effective philanthropy grounded in current social realities.