Erasmus Centre for Strategic Philanthropy
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Strategic Philanthropy: Doing Good Done Better. Seminar sept. 23, 2009. -
Speaker: John Healy -
Speaker: Charles T. Erkelens, director ECSP.
The Erasmus Centre for Strategic Philanthropy (ECSP) aims to make a positive contribution towards increasing the quality, effectiveness and impact of the philanthropic sector in the Netherlands and Europe. The institute is housed within the Erasmus University in Rotterdam.
The philanthropic sector makes an important contribution to the well-being of society and the environment. In the Netherlands alone philanthropic organizations invest an annual 4 to 5 billion euros in projects and programs. Many provide a clear account of how much money goes to which specific causes, and the direct results are also often easy to identify and demonstrate. But the long-term effect of the support is not always clear.
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Activities
The ECSP is a research and education center aiming to make a positive contribution towards increasing the quality, effectiveness and impact of the philanthropic sector. The ECSP’s flagship theme is 'Doing Good Done Better'.
Using a scientific approach, ECSP looks at philanthropic foundations and their effect to society. The results are used to help improve the sector. Research into organizations and concrete programs in the sector should provide insight into the effectiveness and impact of various philanthropic foundations. Research can be carried out both independently and cooperation with philanthropic foundations.
Students can gain a deeper understanding of strategic philanthropy in courses (Bachelor and Master level) offered by ECSP, while Executive Courses and training programs are organized for the management of philanthropic institutions. Within the ECSP they will also find a platform for exchanging knowledge and building networks.
Drawing on all the knowledge gathered within ECSP, at term the center can advise special purpose funds and charitable foundations on the effective organization and strategy of their philanthropic institution.
Support
Adessium Foundation, together with the Erasmus School of Economics and the Rotterdam School of Management, initiated the ECSP.
Upon its incorporation, the Adessium Foundation was confronted with numerous questions. What was lacking at the time was an institute that could provide factual and independent advice on strategic philanthropy. The ECSP was set up to fill this gap, beneficing the entire sector.
Besides helping to shape and create the ECSP, Adessium Foundation has also pledged to provide the ECSP with financial support for a period of five years (2009-2013).
Results
The creation of the ECSP marks the addition of a new research center to the Erasmus University.
The center will produce new scientific insights and carry out research into the impact and functioning of the philanthropic sector, while also enhancing the knowledge, insight and skills of existing and aspiring philanthropistsand philanthropic organizations. Students are educated in different aspects of strategic philanthropy.
In the coming years, conferences and seminars as well as educational programs will be organized to promote knowledge sharing. In addition, media such as a website and publications will be used to stimulate public debate.