Central Europe

Regional Reviewer: Anna Korzeniewska
Institutional Affiliation: Social Impact Alliance for Central & Eastern Europe / CEE Impact Foundation

Overview

Three decades after transitioning from socialism to capitalism, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) have made significant progress in economic and social development. Yet, beneath this progress lies a landscape marked by significant challenges: cultural and political polarization, growing inequalities, and an unstable tax and legal environment. The ethos of social responsibility is not yet integral to the region’s culture, behavior, or personal and business decision-making. Despite long traditions in the region, philanthropic giving remains occasional, dispersed, and emotionally driven.

The political environment in the region is mixed, from an enabling environment in the Czech Republic, to political instability in Bulgaria, to the violation of democratic norms in Poland and Hungary. Despite these difficulties, most CEE countries have regulations and infrastructure in place.

 The war in Ukraine, due to its proximity, has had an enormous impact on the CEE region, as well as on the giving culture in Ukraine itself. It was often the context, catalyst, and the driving force behind the philanthropic giving. Crises laid the ground for positive and long-term changes, both behavioral and legislative. Now is the moment to sustain this engagement by:

• building capacity of philanthropic organizations in the area of management, fundraising, and communication
• introducing philanthropic education to different stakeholder groups
• creating a supportive legal and tax environment
• enhancing collaboration and capacity of networks
• developing data collection related to philanthropy and showcasing good practices

View the full 2025 GPEI Central & Eastern Europe regional report:

View Central & Eastern Europe Report