Informal traditions of community philanthropy can be found in virtually every country in Europe. Community philanthropy organisations are growing rapidly and constitute one of the most dynamic areas of organised philanthropy in the region today. They exist, or are under consideration, in at least 17 countries or regions. This growth, much of which has taken place in recent years, has been fueled by a number of trends affecting local communities.
Community foundations are the fastest growing type of community philanthropy organisation in Europe.
The oldest and most advanced community foundations are in the United Kingdom where there are close to 50 that have developed over the past decade. Others exist, or are under development, in such countries as Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Slovakia and Russia. In several countries, national support organisations and informal networks have formed to provide information, technical assistance, training and promotion services to community philanthropy organisations at the local level. Some are free-standing and others are located within another organisation. Such groups have formed in the UK, Germany, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Russia.