The European Commission Research Directorate-General organized an international conference on Giving More for Research in Europe on March 27-28, 2006 in Brussels. The purpose of this conference was to discuss how philanthropy (foundations, trusts, charities, etc) could fund knowledge generation, in particular research activities and explore strategies and initiatives to strengthen the potential of philanthropy as a source of funding for research in Europe.
The conference was addressed to all stakeholders who have a role to play in the development of philanthropy as a source of funding for research. Those stakeholders included representatives from charitable foundations, trusts, etc that are, or intend to be, active in the support of research; representatives from University and Research Organisations interested in attracting or making better use of philanthropic donations as a source of research funding; representatives from industry contemplating the development of philanthropic activities that may include the support of research. It also appealed to those national and regional authorities who have responsibility for the construction and implementation of policies that influence the fiscal and regulatory climate for philanthropic giving for all purposes including research, as well as other non-governmental organisations from the civil society that have interests in the area.
This event has come at a time when important developments are underway in the European Union, particularly to place research and innovation at the heart of EU and national policies, to support growth and job creation. The challenge addressed in this seminar was how to place research funding at the heart of philanthropic activities.