Peer-learning expert at ECFI

LinkedIn profile of Mihaela Giurgiu

From 2014 SV to Romania

Community Foundations Program Coordinator, Association for Community Relations (ARC), Cluj Napoca, Romania, LinkedIn profile of Mihaela Giurgiu

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

I have joined ARC and the national program for development of community foundations in January 2012, after a Master program in NGO Management. At the time there were 6 registered community foundations and 1 advanced initiative group as well as intention to start up CF’s in 6 more regions. At the beginning of 2013 we are proud to say there are 12 registered CF’s in different stages of development. My work over the past 2 years has reached various topics related to CF’s like communication, grant-making, capacity development, learning needs as well as sustainability issues. I have also contributed to the INSPIRE program as I strongly believe in the model of philanthropic advising for fund development in community foundations.

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

I am interested in sharing information and experience from our work of support for development of the CF’s and CF movement in Romania. I am really keen on discovering what a fresh eye has to say about what is happening in our country and how we can improve. I’m also eager to learn about the balance between the US/UK CF model and to what extent we can balance/ adapt it to local context, but still fit the ‘pattern’ of a CF.

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. An amount of over $800,000 was granted in communities so far.