By Rosana Ferraiuolo, Project Manager at IDIS
Organized by UK Community Foundations (UKCF), the event ‘Foundations for the Future – Investing in Communities’ brought together organizations participating in the Transformando Territórios program with community foundations and institutes from various countries.
Community Foundations and Institutes have enormous potential to drive the development of the territories in which they operate, strengthening local communities in a systemic, legitimate, and sustainable manner.
This was the central theme of the UK Community Foundations (UKCF) Conference, an
organization that brings together community foundations from the United Kingdom, which took place between October 8 and 10 this year. The conference hosted over 300 representatives and community leaders from various regions and countries. The discussions centered on the future of community-based philanthropic investments and their role in building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities.
To represent Brazil and the Transforming Territories program, members of the initiative traveled to Harrogate, England. Present at the event were Eliane Macari, president of FEAV – Forum of Assistance Entities of Valinhos, Jair Resende, socio-educational superintendent at the FEAC Foundation, and Rosana Ferraiuolo, IDIS manager and Program Manager of Transforming Territories.
“Participating in the Conference was definitely worthwhile! It is the real and true concept and application of community foundations and territories. It’s clear that the Community Foundations in the United Kingdom are organized to support this, whether they are small, rural, or large”, said Eliane Macari, president of FEAV.
A Look at the Future of Community Philanthropy
During the three-day event, community philanthropy experts from around the world gathered to delve into topics such as strategic philanthropy, social innovation, climate and environmental justice, youth collaboration, social justice, artificial intelligence, and other relevant issues. The central theme of the conference was “Foundations for the Future: Investing in Communities.”
“We had the opportunity to see many topics being discussed, things we aren’t even thinking about here. One of the things that really impressed me was the use of artificial intelligence as a decision-making tool, helping with document systematization, indicators, and so on”, said Jair Resende, socio-educational superintendent at the FEAC Foundation.
The program, which encouraged the exchange of experiences among participants, provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on common challenges and opportunities while being inspired by each other’s work. The integration among community leaders also fostered knowledge sharing between representatives from countries such as the United Kingdom, Africa, Romania, Serbia, Germany, Argentina, and others.
This approach highlighted fundamental aspects of collective development in networks and the strengthening of relationships with communities, such as the importance of collective insights and building relationships based on trust and listening.
“Representing the Transformando Territórios Program at this conference was essential for strengthening our connection with Community Foundations from various countries. Sharing Brazil’s experience and learning directly about their practices and inspirations, both in sessions and in individual and collective conversations, was an enriching opportunity that gave us inspiration for the development of FICs in Brazil”, said Rosana Ferraiulo, manager of the Transformando Territórios Program.
About Transforming Territories
The Transforming Territories Program is an IDIS initiative, in partnership with the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, for promoting the creation and strengthening of community institutes and foundations in Brazil, with the engagement of donors and civil society, knowledge sharing and technical support.
Learn more about the program and the participants at www.transformandoterritorios.org.br
