Philanthropy in support of R&D

A conference considering the role of private donation in the funding of European research has highlighted the need for transnational, European-scale foundations.

An expert report on the role of philanthropy in funding European research was published in January 2006.

The report, which examines ways to increase charity donations, states that too little attention is paid to the role of foundations and other charitable bodies in the field of research and therefore, the potential is currently not being fully realised. In the EU-25, only the UK has a well-developed donation and charity culture.

The study suggests a number of initiatives to encourage foundation funding of research in Europe. These include improving the regulatory and fiscal environment for foundations and improving conditions for cross-border donations.

Philanthropic 'instruments' include fundraising organisations, endowments providing research grants, family- and trustee-controlled foundations, corporate foundations, including those promoted by financial institutions and university foundations.