No month in our organization goes without trips. This time our team of experience seekers returned from the Infrastructure to the Future conference in Bucharest from Inspire
About 100 participants from 35+ countries gathered to discuss supporting #communityfoundations in a rapidly changing world. The discussion centered on philanthropy that builds an infrastructure of trust, strengthens communities’ capacity to act locally and influence globally. Project Manager of Philanthropists, Katya Sivyrin, shared our experience in developing a network of community foundations and specifically creating the “School of Community Foundations” program, which resonated with colleagues from around the world.
The team shared their impressions after the conference:
- “The greatest value of such events is open and empathetic people from different parts of the world. There is tangible support and interest in life in Ukraine. And despite the fact that talking about the future in Ukraine due to war and political aspects can be difficult, the support of colleagues gives faith in a better future” – shared Natalia Kovalchuk, Head of Communications
- “The Ukrainian experience of community development is extremely valuable for others — people listen to it and accept it. At the same time, we are not alone: many of our challenges are common to organizations around the world. And most importantly — it’s important to plan not just for a year or two, but to think about the future for decades ahead” – Nadiya Kyrylchuk, HR of the organization
- “Every conference is a chance to step out of the bubble and look broader. The theme of infrastructure for the future gave space to dream — which is important, albeit difficult now. It was valuable to tell about Ukraine and the resilience of our Community Foundations. After all, people remember not words, but what you made them feel by sharing your own experience.” – Katya Sivyryn, Project Manager of NNLPD
Special thanks to Inspire and Mott Foundation for the opportunity to attend this event and meet wonderful people!
