December 13, 2001 | Read Time: 1 minute
Foundations in Europe: Society, Management, and Law
edited by Andreas Schluter, Volker Then, and Peter Walkenhorst
In countries across Europe, new foundations are being created, money is being added to their coffers, and philanthropic institutions are becoming more professional, write Andreas Schluter, Volker Then, and Peter Walkenhorst in the introduction to Foundations in Europe.
The first section of the book looks at the characteristics of foundations in each of 19 different European countries. Chapters focus on the historical background of philanthropy and related topics, legal issues, number and size of existing foundations, and current trends, for each country. A separate chapter looks at those factors for central and eastern Europe as a whole.
The second section focuses on governance and organizational structure, with chapters covering such issues as organizational mission, accountability, and the role of foundations’ boards, staff members, volunteers, and consultants. The third section examines program management and includes chapters on how to design and manage a grant-making program, how foundations can use entrepreneurial concepts to promote social change, and how they can engage in international philanthropy.
The final section provides information on legal and fiscal requirements and regulations, and government supervision of foundations. An appendix provides detailed information on the legislation governing charitable foundations in 24 European states.
Andreas Schluter is an attorney with Brandi Droge Piltz, Heuer & Gronemeyer, in Gutersloh, Germany; Volker Then and Peter Walkenhorst are directors of philanthropy and foundations at the Bertelsmann Foundation, in Gutersloh, Germany.
Publisher: Directory of Social Change, Publications Department, 24 Stephenson Way, London, NW1 2DP; 020 7209 5151; (fax) 020 7209 5049; info@dsc.org.uk; 875 pages; $59; I.S.B.N. 1-900360-86-1.
