Ariadne's Thread

Webinar (20 May): EPIM’s systems map of the Migration Governance system in Europe.

EPIM has long worked to understand and improve migration governance. In 2024, it co-created a map of the European Migration Governance system with practitioners bringing lived, professional, and legal expertise. This map goes beyond analysis – it identifies strategic opportunities for action and has directly shaped EPIM’s cluster strategy. The process clarified how the system functions and highlighted key leverage points.

Join this webinar for Ariadne and EPIM members to explore insights from the map, see how it’s being used in practice, and reflect on how it’s shifting thinking and action in migration governance. Date and time: 20 May, 14:00 BST / 15:00 CEST. Learn more and register here. 

Ariadne’s 2025 Forecast: Curious to learn what are European human rights and social change funders predicting for 2025? Dive in the latest report.

Share your grants data for 2024:

All resources can be found on Ariadne’s website and Member-only Community Hub. Are you a member of Ariadne but don’t have access to the Community Hub? Sign-up here or email jana.stardelova@ariadne-network.eu.

The next Thread will go out on Thursday 19th June. We would love to hear from you! Please contact us by Tuesday 17th June if you would like to share announcements, events, or resources for the next issue. 

Urgent Action Fund – new report Activists from Strength: What You Need to Know to be a Disability and Gender-Inclusive Funder: published in collaboration with Women Enabled International (WEI), The report identifies the key challenges disability rights activists experience in their work as well as recommendations for funders.

Liberties “Media Freedom Report 2025”: a collaboration of more than 40 human rights organisations from across the EU, the latest report states media freedom is crumbling across the EU. 

ILGA Europe has charted every European court case on LGBTI human rights: you can find their updated inventory of case law and pending cases before the ECtHR and CJEU.

Mixed Migration Center “Beyond restrictions: migration & smuggling across the Mediterranean, the Atlantic & the English Channel”: Against the backdrop of increasingly restrictive migration policies, this study explores recent irregular migration dynamics to the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom(UK). It focuses on key routes into the EU and UK. 

Migration Exchange (MEX) – new report “Strength in Numbers – the UK Refugee and Migration Sector in 2025”: the report maps the trends, challenges and opportunities ahead. Based on new funding and sector data, it aims to help charities and funders align for long-term impact. 

UK Climate Adaptation: The Climate Change Committee’s latest report warns that the UK is not ready for the climate crisis, which is already unfolding. It highlights rising flood risks, vulnerable infrastructure, biodiversity loss, and serious economic threats.

Rosa and Pro Bono Economica publish report “Underfunded, under resourced and under the radar: the state of the women and girls’ social sector” that reveals the urgent challenges facing the UK women and girls’ sector.

UN: New resolution on human rights defenders: the UN Human Rights Council has adopted a new resolution on human rights defenders and new technologies. This resolution provides a framework for holding states and companies accountable for protecting those who defend human rights in an increasingly digital world. Read the Association for Progressive Communications – APC’s comment following the adopting of the new resolution.

D-Hub – new publication “Anatomy of a Fall” breaks down the harsh truths:

• Democrats lost touch with working-class voters, who felt unheard and overlooked.
• Inflation and immigration became powerful forces that swayed undecided voters.
• Cultural battles drove crucial swing voters away from the Democratic Party.
• Again, Trump demonstrated unparalleled mastery in authenticity, messaging, and digital outreach. 

European Legal Support Center (ELSC) launches first available database on anti-Palestinian repression in Germany: From censorship and surveillance; demonstration bans and arrest; disciplinary actions and workplace suspensions; financial repercussions and banking restrictions; repressive legislation like anti-BDS motions; harassment and intimidation, to threats to citizenship and immigration status – we have collected 766 incidents of anti-Palestinian repression in Germany alone, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. 

Genderit.org – A Feminist Perspective on Researching Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence: For many, a feminist approach to researching technology-facilitated gender-based violence is a process of retaliation, resistance and reclaiming power. This new edition is a collection of reflections and analytical essays by the Feminist Internet Research Network (FIRN) and research partners that reflect on what it means to do research at this critical juncture. 

Article: How can philanthropy be part of flipping the conservative playbook and investing in the systems change that advances our collective aims? Common Future says: fund work to shift narratives, not just change language.

Elemental launched The Myths of Philanthropy in collaboration with the Center for Effective Philanthropy and Association of Charitable Foundations. It features contributors from a cross-section of philanthropy exploring the narratives that dictate how the sector operates and sharing what is possible when we alter the flawed assumptions that underpin the work. 

Beyond Barriers social investment pilot: Trust for London, City Bridge Foundation, and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation have joined forces to create an innovative six-year £1.5m social investment pilot designed to support Black and global majority-led community enterprises. 

HIVOS – New survey: US funding freeze triggers global crisis in human rights and democracy: A new survey carried out by the EU System for an Enabling Environment (EU SEE) network exposes the impact of the US funding freeze on civil society organisations in over 50 countries. According to the survey, the abrupt halt in funding is disrupting critical human rights, democracy, gender equality and health programs.

WINGS blog – Turning the tide on climate: Funding for climate and gender justice: Author, Sofia Arroyo Martín del Campo, explores why grassroots, women-led climate action in the Global South remains underfunded, and how feminist funds are ready to scale just, community-rooted solutions. 

Disability Rights Fund – “The Future of Disability Justice: Collective Action, Resilient Funding, and Bold Commitments”: Aapurv Jain, Associate Director of Government Partnerships at the Fund reflects and shares key takeaways form the 2025 Global Disability Summit (GDS).

Dreilinden – What do we do with our one precious drop? Dreilinden’s response to the funding crisis. It is circling round the question “What do we do with our one precious drop in the desert?” 

Global Fund for Children 2023 – 24 Annual report: Celebrating 30 years of impact: From youth-led initiatives to a dynamic Co-CEO model, this milestone year shows how they’re growing, adapting, and listening to young people more than ever. 

Ford Foundation – Weaving a Stronger Civil Society in the Global South: “In 2022, the Ford Foundation launched Weaving Resilience, a five-year initiative that dedicated $80 million to support civil society organizations throughout the Global South. Today, eight regional hubs made up of over 30 organizations provide services in more than 20 countries, all dedicated to eliminating inequality and increasing capacity, sustainability, and overall well-being among those working in social justice.” 

Oak Foundation – How we strengthen the capacity of our grantees: In this article, Adriana Craciun, Oak’s senior adviser for organisational development and capacity building, lays out the various ways we offer capacity-strengthening support.

Investing in Disability-Inclusive Climate Justice: A Guide for Funders: A collaboration between Disability Rights Fund, Impatience Earth, and Impatience Wellbeing, this groundbreaking guide explores the intersection between disability rights and climate justice, emphasising the disproportionate impact of climate change on people with disabilities among other marginalised groups. 

Impatience Earth (UK) – Philanthropy’s blind spot: Learn about the reasons why philanthropy must champion flexible, long-term support to increase quality funding to the Global Majority.

CEP – Responding to the Current Context: Resources for Funders: To support funders seeking to respond to the challenges in US coming from the actions and executive orders by the federal government, CEP has curated the resources they have shared in recent weeks on the subject. The list is continuously updated with new resources. 

Prospera – “The Quiet Crisis Hitting Feminist Movements and How Women’s and Feminist Funds Are Rising to Meet It”: At this critical moment, Prospera’s members are forging bold paths to protect grassroots power and advance systemic change. Their unwavering commitment to resourcing women’s, LGBTQI+, and feminist movements could be the difference between sustaining life-saving feminist action or watching decades of progress unravel. 

Opinion – How women’s funds are leading the charge for climate justice: What do women’s funds have to do with climate justice? How is this issue linked to other critical issues, such as gender justice and LGBTQI+ rights? Mama Cash, the world’s first international women’s fund, shares its approach to philanthropy and why supporting feminist movements is critical to the climate movement as a whole. 

Philea – The Fabric of Giving 2025: Public-Benefit Foundation Data in Europe: The Fabric of Giving 2025 report reveals that Europe has 175,000 foundations with assets totalling €516 billion and annual expenditures of €76 billion, highlighting the sector’s significant contribution to societal developments.

Alliance for Gender Equality in Europe – Advisory Committee Member. The Alliance is seeking new Advisory Committee Members to commence in January 2026. Members will provide strategic guidance, advise on grant-making strategies, and support the Alliance’s growth and awareness-raising efforts. The role requires approximately four working days per year, with participation in meetings and potential contributions to research initiatives. Applicants should have expertise in philanthropy, grant-making, or gender equality, and be residents of the EU or the UK. Compensation: 2,000 EUR honorarium per year (approx. 500 EUR/day); additional days compensated at the same rate. Location: Europe (EU or UK residents). Candidates ae encourages to apply as soon as possible. 

Hivos – Communications Officer (EU SEE Program). Hivos is hiring a Communications Officer for the EU System for an Enabling Environment for Civil Society (EU SEE) program. The role entails coordinating and implementing the global communications and visibility strategy of the program, which supports civil society organisations across 86 countries. The position is based in The Hague and requires 32 hours per week. Salary: 4,151.21 to 5,523.71 EUR. Location: The Hague, The Netherlands. Deadline for applications is 15 May 2025.  

Comic Relief – Chief Strategy & Impact Officer. Comic Relief is seeking a Chief Strategy & Impact Officer to lead the organisation’s strategic planning and impact measurement. The role involves developing and implementing strategies to maximise social impact, overseeing research and evaluation, and contributing to organisational leadership. Salary: 120,000 – 140,000 GBP per year. Location: United Kingdom. Deadline for applications is 25 May.  

Omidyar Network – Reporters in Residence Program (Summer 2025 Cohort). Omidyar Network’s Reporters in Residence program supports freelance journalists in producing in-depth reporting on technology’s societal impacts. The six-month residency offers a monthly stipend, travel expenses, and access to Omidyar Network staff and partners. Journalists maintain full editorial control over their work. Stipend: Each reporter contracted will receive a stipend of 8,000 USD a month and 2,000 USD travel budget (totalling 50,000 USD). Location: Remote. Deadline for applications is 30 May 2025.  

Digital Freedom Fund – Board Member. Digital Freedom Fund (DFF) is recruiting at least two new Board Members for a four-year term. Board Members will collaborate with DFF and Weaving Liberation staff to provide strategic direction, ensure accountability to the organisation’s mission, and contribute to financial resilience. The role involves approximately 4–8 hours per month, with participation in four annual board meetings. Candidates should have experience in digital rights, media communications, human resources for NGOs, participatory grant-making, or Dutch governance law. Compensation: 1,800 EUR honorarium per year. Location: Remote (Europe-based). Deadline for applications is 31 May.

Limelight Foundation – Communications & Partnerships Manager. This role involves expanding the organisation’s reach, developing strategic funding partnerships, and leading brand and communication initiatives, including website redevelopment and social media strategy. The position is part-time (24–32 hours/week) and integral to Limelight’s mission to strengthen the information ecosystem. Salary: Up to 80,000 EUR. Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands. Deadline for application is 02 June.  

 Comic Relief – Chief Creative Officer. This executive role involves leading the Production Department, overseeing content creation across broadcast TV, digital platforms, social media, video production, design, and storytelling. The CCO will shape and execute the organisation’s creative vision, ensuring content is innovative, engaging, and aligns with Comic Relief’s mission. Responsibilities include collaborating with internal teams and external partners to produce content that drives awareness, engagement, and impact. Salary: 120,000 – 140,000 GBP per year. Location: London, United Kingdom. Deadline for applications is 08 June.  

2027 (supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation and National Lottery Community Fund): 2027 is a scheme which supports people into grant-making roles. The programme sets out to hire and develop people with diverse perspectives who have lived or worked in the kind of communities they seek to help. 2027 offers associates a paid 12-month, full-time job at a leading foundation or trust. Alongside the placement, associates will take part in an acclaimed development programme and gain access to coaching, mentoring and networking opportunities. Salary: 23,000 to 25,000 GBP. Location: United Kingdom. Deadline for applications is 15 June. 

*For more jobs, see the ‘Career Opportunities’ section of Ariadne’s Community Hub. To address pay gaps in the charity sector, we strongly encourage you to #showthesalary in your job adverts.

22 April – 30 May, South Yorkshire, UK  

Festival of Debate: Founded in 2015 by Opus Independents, Festival of Debate creates opportunities to bring people together to share new ideas and lived experience that can help shape our understanding of the world. They collaborate with a huge range of partner organisations – some local, some international. They include grassroots campaign groups, voluntary and community groups, universities and think tanks. Date: 22 April – 30 May. Learn more and register here.  

15 May, Online

Webinar: Beyond Aid: Transformational Partnerships for Community-led Development
Join Global Fund for Children for a timely and essential conversation on how community-based organisations are responding to this moment of uncertainty—and leading the way toward a more just, community-driven development model. Date and time: 15 May, 15:00 BST / 16:00 CEST via Zoom. Learn more and register here.

20 May, Online

Webinar: What Grantees Are Saying: How Well Are European Funders Listening?
Join Alliance magazine and Centre for Effective Philanthropy for a conversation about grantee perceptions of European funders, based on new, soon-to-be-released data. Date and time: 15:30 CEST / 14:30 BST via Zoom. Learn more and register here.

Webinar: Collective Power to Protect Intersex Movements
Join Global Philanthropy Project, Intersex Human Rights Fund, Elevate Children Funders Group, Funders for LGBTQ Issues, and Ignite Philanthropy o learn about and respond to the specific impacts of this funding crisis on intersex movements. Date and time: 20 May, 14:00 BST / 15:00 CEST via Zoom. Learn more and register here.

21 May, Online

Webinar: Dare to Trust – The Power of Unconditional Funding.
Join Both Ends to learn about key lessons and insights from the Dare to Trust, and explore the broader potential of trust-based finance and collaboration in addressing power imbalances. Date and time: 21 May, 12:00 BST / 13:00 CEST via Zoom. Learn more and register here.

22 May, Online

Youth Community Coffee: For Young People in Community Foundations
Join the European Community Foundation Initiative for an open, informal space to connect, share experiences, and spark ideas with other young people involved in community foundations across Europe. Date and time: 22 May, 9:00 BST / 10:00 CET. To learn more and register, contact Francesca Mereta (francesca@communityfoundations.eu).

28 May, Online

Webinar: UK Riots – How Coordinated Messaging Mobilised Rioters
Kamila Koronska (University of Amsterdam) will present how coordinated messaging on X and Facebook helped ignite the 2024 UK riots. Date and time: 13:30 BST / 14:30 CEST. Learn more and register here.

29 May, Online

ECFG Community Conversation: Holding the Line – The Global Implications of Project 2025
Join Elevate Children Funders Group for a virtual convening exploring how Project 2025 impacts global funding and children’s rights. Date and time: 29 May, 15:00 BST / 16:00 CEST via Zoom. Learn more and register here.

2 June, Online

Brown Bag Session: Environmental and Social Impacts of the Semiconductor Industry
Join the Green Screen Coalition for a webinar where discuss ‘Environmental and Social Impacts of the Semiconductor Industry’. Xiaowei R. Wang, PhD and Ann Chen will present their recent publication, Semiconductors: A Field Guide. Julia Christina Hess will present her research, including the semiconductor data explorer that tracks greenhouse gas emissions from chip production. Date and time: 02 June, 15:00 BST / 16:00 CEST via Zoom. Learn more and register here.

16–22 June, UK-wide

Refugee Week 2025: Community as a Superpower
Join Counterpoints Arts for a week-long celebration featuring cultural festivals, creative workshops, talks, and exhibitions across the UK. The theme this year will focus on everyday actions that build inclusive communities. Learn more, register and organise events here.

28 June, North London

Disability and Migration Conference
Join Disability and Migration Network (DAMN) and the DPAC crip tank (Disabled People Against Cuts) for a bold, inclusive gathering of disabled people, migrants, and allies coming together in solidarity and resistance. Date and time: 28 June, 11:00 – 17:00 BST. Learn more and register here.