“Systems Change Philanthropy: What to do, and how to do it?” is the title of this year’s EDGE Europe retreat. European EDGE members and guests are invited to join us in the beautiful organic farm La Bergerie, one hour from Paris, from Tuesday, 3 to Thursday, 5 July 2018.

In the third year of its existence in Europe, EDGE Funders Alliance has grown into a membership community of 39 foundations and individual donors from across the continent, working in different areas and parts of the world. EDGE Funders Alliances has in total now almost 100 members, who share the vision of philanthropy as a lever for systemic change​.

The yearly EDGE Europe retreat is an important convening to consolidate and shape EDGE in Europe, in terms of joint identity, membership, activity planning and governance. The retreat welcomes new members, integrating them in the community with the aim to strengthen EDGE as a political home for progressive foundations and a place to scale up the impact of our grantmaking. It is a safe space for in-depth discussion, learning and collaboration amongst the members on the role and challenges of philanthropy to address systemic change.

For the first time, an optional “EDGE for Newbies” session will take place on the first day. That session, and the evening programme on alternative visions, will be open to members and non-members alike, before passing into the members only part of the retreat on the next day.

Participants are invited to co-shape the agenda by prioritising objectives and sharing propositions when they sign up to the retreat, which will help to balance the agenda according to members’ interests.

Participation is open to all interested non-member funders for the programme on 3 June, and all EDGE members in Europe as well as invited guests for the full programme from 3 to 5 June. Venue, accommodation and catering are generously covered by the Charles Leopold Mayer Foundation, but a voluntary solidarity contribution to cover organising costs is highly appreciated.

Space is limited, so better register your place quickly!

Please get in touch with Tobias Troll (EDGE Europe secretariat) if you have any questions!