NEF

MISSION OF NEF

The mission of NEF is to act as an operational platform of projects for foundations and other types of organised philanthropy and other giving programmes related to Europe and the role of Europe in the world.

NEF is a distinct and voluntary structure of cooperation, enjoying a close, informal relationship with the EFC (for more information see Alliance article in our 'Documents' section). NEF does not claim any monopoly in developing this brokerage function and seeks to interest and engage other foundations in different projects.

NEF Operational Practices:

To give a European perspective to local/regional initiatives, through transnational partnerships, so as to explore new ideas and build new patterns of cooperation which also contribute to the development of systemic social change;

To act as a catalyst in promoting innovative joint-ventures and plays a creative role as a broker in giving added-leverage to initiatives where appropriate, assisting in reframing projects for greater spin-off;

To enable smaller foundations to join forces with larger foundations in mounting joint-ventures;

To demonstrate to the EU and other international organisations that European foundations can play an effective, complementary role to supra-governmental initiatives in a flexible way, thus enhancing the overall impact and outreach of the action;

To take up ideas and suggestions emanating from EFC interest groups, by serving, where appropriate, as a platform to convert areas ripe for cooperation into operational form; and

To act as a vehicle to improve transatlantic relations by mounting cooperative joint projects with interested US foundations.

NEF's flexible model of action:

There is no single model of the hosting function to projects which NEF accepts to develop under its auspices. In almost all cases, there is a strong wish from foundations to engage in operational cooperation whilst at the same time learning about each other's modus operandi. From the experience gained over the years, it is possible to identify a range of motivations behind NEF's hosting role:

providing a neutral, financial/legal framework for partnerships;
influencing European especially EU policies and programmes;
building the capacity of civil society to work in a European perspective;
scaling up operationally of joint projects to secure greater impact;
promoting joint research analysis and transnational debate, and;
launching a multi-annual European project.

GOVERNANCE OF NEF

NEF is a joint-initiative of a limited core number of foundations, and, as such, is "owned" by them. In this sense, it is not a membership-based organisation. The core membership of NEF is drawn from various parts of Europe comprises of 12-15 foundations. The advantage of retaining this small core is their shared determination to develop NEF as a catalyst for action on the European stage.

The NEF General Assembly may invite other foundations to join the core on the basis of their strong interest in building a European dimension to the work of foundations, and a clear commitment to the 'spirit' underlying the NEF mission.

The Chairman, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and Director constitute the executive Board of Directors. They form a strong team effort in the management of NEF. Furthermore, NEF has adopted a decentralised approach to leadership of the different NEF projects, through the Steering Committees, with the involvement of as many foundations as possible. Up to 65 foundations have participated in NEF projects during 2006-2007.