Many societal challenges require long-term commitment and reliable organisations capable of remaining effective beyond short project cycles. The current issue of Philanthropie Aktuell is therefore dedicated to the relationship between foundations and grantees. How can funding relationships be structured effectively and sustainably under complex societal conditions? Better cooperation promotes transparency and impact-oriented approaches, enabling current challenges to be tackled more effectively and benefiting society as a whole.

In the lead article, Julia Oestreich, expert in impact-oriented financing at Con·Sense, explains why new funding approaches have emerged and the role of trust, flexibility and a shared learning culture in this context. Dr. Ruth Gutsch, research associate at CEPS, complements this perspective with current data from the Fördermonitor 2026, which shows that NPOs want greater reliability, more flexible use of funds, transparent criteria and streamlined procedures.

The interview with Monika Wirth, Managing Director of the Sophie and Karl Binding Foundation, provides practical insights and illustrates how funding relationships have evolved and what is central for successful collaboration.

In another contribution, Dr. Elisabeth Hasse, head executive education CEPS, explains why even small NPO should not forgo impact management. 

The bulletin can be downloaded for free here .