Philea Membership

The Romanian-American Foundation (RAF) is a member of Philea – Philanthropy Europe Association, the leading European network of foundations, philanthropic organizations, and philanthropy infrastructure bodies working to strengthen philanthropy and its contribution to the public good across Europe. Through this membership, RAF is part of a diverse community of funders and sector leaders who collaborate, exchange knowledge, and develop innovative approaches to addressing complex social challenges. 

Our engagement with Philea reflects RAF’s belief that meaningful and lasting change is built through collaboration, learning, and long-term commitment. By participating in Philea’s events, working groups, publications, and peer-learning opportunities, we gain access to valuable expertise and perspectives from across Europe while also sharing lessons from our work in Romania. These exchanges help us strengthen our strategies, challenge assumptions, and remain connected to emerging trends and practices in philanthropy. 

A recent highlight of this partnership was PEXfest 2026: Nurturing Collective Possibilities, hosted in Bucharest in March 2026 by Philea in partnership with RAF and Inspire Institute. The event brought together philanthropy infrastructure practitioners from across Europe to explore how collaborative action, community-led initiatives, and new narratives can help create more resilient and connected societies. By helping bring this European gathering to Romania, RAF contributed to strengthening connections between local and international philanthropic communities and creating space for Romanian voices within important conversations about the future of philanthropy. 

Our collaboration with Philea has also contributed to RAF’s own organizational development. Through peer exchange and shared learning, we have been exposed to new tools, methodologies, and ways of thinking that support our commitment to long-term, trust-based philanthropy. The opportunity to learn alongside some of Europe’s leading philanthropic organizations has helped us further refine our approach to supporting systemic change and expanding opportunity in Romania. 

In recognition of this work, Philea featured RAF in its Futures Philanthropy series, highlighting the Foundation’s approach to catalytic, long-term investment and its commitment to building trust, supporting local leadership, and fostering collaboration across sectors. The case study presented RAF as an example of how patient, adaptive philanthropy can contribute to stronger communities and sustainable social and economic development. 

As part of the Philea community, RAF continues to learn from and contribute to a growing European movement dedicated to strengthening civil society, advancing opportunity, and creating lasting positive change.