Community Foundations Program Director, Association for Community Relations (ARC), Cluj Napoca, Romania, LinkedIn profile of Alina Porumb

Your experience with the CFs and your professional relevance to the theme of CFs:

Starting with 2005, I have led a national support program for the start-up and consolidation of community foundations in Romania, resulting in a strong national network of 12 community foundations. I am also the coordinator of the Initiative for Strategic Philanthropy in Central and Eastern Europe (INSPIRE), aiming to support the creation of a strategic philanthropic advisors community in the region. I participate as a volunteer contributor in several global initiatives for support of philanthropy and community foundations, including those of WINGS and Global Fund for Community Foundations.

Area of your particular interest in the CF development/ CF management/ practice:

Areas of interest include CF governance, sustainability solutions in CEE context and fostering of reflective communities for increased effectiveness of philanthropic advice, grant-making and leadership practices. I’m interested both in learning and sharing information on these topics.

Key characteristics and information about the CFs and community philanthropy in your country:

There are currently 12 community foundations in Romania, covering 35% of the Romanian population. The CF movement is relatively young, with older foundations having now 5.5 years of experience, while the last 4 foundations registered during 2013. There is a strong emphasis on philanthropy & stimulating private resources as solutions to local needs. The foundations develop new ways to encourage giving and support financially local initiatives. Over $800,000 were granted in communities so far.