In the beginning of June, Sofia became a meeting point for some of the world’s leading philanthropy and civil society organisations as BCause Foundation celebrated its 30th anniversary with an international conference and a series of strategic meetings bringing together partners from across the continents.
The gathering welcomed representatives of organisations from the CAF (Charities Aid Foundation) Network, one of the world’s most influential communities working to advance giving, philanthropy and civil society. While the anniversary conference provided an opportunity to reflect on three decades of BCause’s contribution to philanthropy in Bulgaria, the whole week was eventful for the visitors. Over four days, participants engaged in discussions on some of the most pressing issues facing the philanthropic sector today. Topics included diaspora giving, new approaches to measuring and communicating impact, engaging the next generation of donors, partnerships with corporations, and creating a more enabling environment for civil society organisations through advocacy and policy engagement.
The meetings also served as a platform for sharing experiences from different regions of the world and identifying opportunities for joint initiatives. Participants exchanged ideas, lessons learned and practical approaches drawn from diverse social, economic and cultural contexts, highlighting the value of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.
A particular highlight of the week was the official global launch of the World Giving Report 2026 which was presented for a first time to an international audience from Bulgaria, during BCause Foundation’s anniversary conference. Developed through the collaboration of CAF network partners around the world, the report offers valuable insights into public attitudes towards giving, trust, civic participation and philanthropy across different countries and regions.
The launch underscored Bulgaria’s growing role in international conversations about philanthropy and social impact, while demonstrating the strength of BCause’s long-standing partnerships within the global giving community.
Beyond the formal programme, international guests had the opportunity to experience Sofia’s vibrant cultural life, Bulgarian hospitality and cuisine. These informal moments reinforced the personal relationships that often underpin successful international collaboration.