Talents for Tomorrow: Diversifying Foundations for Europe

The Allianz Foundation in Berlin and the European Cultural Foundation [ECF] in Amsterdam are delighted to collaborate on a new traineeship program focused on promoting and diversifying philanthropy with a European purpose. Throughout the 8-month pilot program, the trainees will gain hands-on experience in one of the two Foundations that place Europe, its present challenges and future potential as well as its historical responsibilities, at the core of their work. Building on new insights and experiences that the future trainees will bring to our teams, Allianz Foundation and ECF hope to foster a richer and more inclusive perspective within our public role as foundations.

Foundations in Europe account for approximately € 60 billion annually, therefore exerting great influence on societal developments. Yet, this sector remains slow to take on the diversity that makes up Europe today. This is especially notable when it comes to leadership positions. The traineeship therefore seeks to provide an entry point to philanthropy that places mutual learning at its core, that is political, action-oriented and inclusive.

Both foundations are committed to fostering a thriving workforce that recognizes and appreciates the contributions of each team member. The traineeship program is an extension of our efforts to create a more inclusive and diverse philanthropic landscape that benefits from a wide range of perspectives. We intend to engage more actively with networks, organisations and individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) and explicitly invite young BIPOC professionals to apply for the trainee program.

The trainees will spend eight months in either the Allianz Foundation or the European Cultural Foundation. Alongside daily responsibilities, the trainees will have the chance to pursue their own projects with continuous support from the respective Foundation’s staff. Throughout the traineeship, frequent exchanges with the other trainee, working visits and training modules will contribute to a European work experience. Mentors and experts from civil society and philanthropy will further contribute to increase the trainee’s theoretical knowledge about philanthropic practices and their role in promoting diversity and equity.

Applications to the Talents for Tomorrow traineeship closed on September 13 2023.