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In this episode we talk to Liv Egholm, Associate Professor at Copenhagen Business School, and Pia Gerber, Director of Freudenberg Stiftung, about philanthropy and democracy in Europe. Including:

• What is the core role of philanthropy within a democratic society, which differentiates it from either state or market provision? 
• Can philanthropy be used to strengthen democracy, or is it inherently anti-democratic, because it offers a means for those with wealth to bypass the electoral system and exert unwarranted influence on public debate and public policy?
• Are there concerns about the influence of philanthropic “dark money” on politics in Europe? 
• How do governmental attitudes towards philanthropy and civil society vary across Europe, and what implications does this have for democracy? 
• What role can philanthropic funders play in addressing the challenges of political polarisation in Europe?
• What impact does the governance of philanthropic organisations have on the overall perceived legitimacy of philanthropy? (e.g. Can the adoption of participatory methods help to overcome concerns about philanthropic legitimacy?) 
• What role can philanthropic or nonprofit structures play in addressing concerns about the power and legitimacy of private sector organisations? (E.g. can nonprofit ownership models be used to ensure that companies are accountable to society as well as shareholders or investors?) 
• Is there any danger that in becoming partners with/agents for the state, nonprofits undermine their own ability to speak out? 

Further Resources

• Liv's personal website
• Freudenberg Stiftung's website
• ERNOP conference 2025
• Philanthropisms podcast conversations with Róisín Wood, Farai Chideya and Daniel Stid, and episodes on the history and role of foundations, and pluralism.