Celebrating the Builders Behind Global Philanthropic Giving
Behind every act of generosity is an ecosystem of people and organisations who make giving more effective, more inclusive, and more transformative. These are the connectors, conveners, funders, and knowledge-builders who strengthen the systems that allow philanthropy to thrive.
In 2026, WINGS launched the WINGS Ecosystem Builder Awards (WEBAs) – the first global recognition dedicated to honouring these behind-the-scenes leaders.
Because systems change doesn’t happen without system builders.
What Are the WEBAs?
The WEBAs recognise organisations and funders who strengthen philanthropy’s support systems — helping giving become more connected, more equitable, and more impactful. They celebrate the networks, funders, researchers, conveners, and quiet changemakers who help build the conditions for strong, resilient giving systems.
What is a Philanthropy Support Ecosystem?
Philanthropy doesn’t operate alone. It relies on a vibrant ecosystem made up of:
Together, they make philanthropic giving stronger, more strategic, and more sustainable – for communities and for the planet.
Five Awards, Five Dimensions of Ecosystem Impact
The WEBAs recognise five outstanding contributors who exemplify the core dimensions of ecosystem building.
Meet the 2026 WEBA Finalists
The 2026 WEBA finalists represent organisations strengthening philanthropy’s support ecosystems across regions, roles, and areas of practice. Selected across five award categories, they reflect the many ways ecosystem builders create the conditions for stronger, more connected, and more effective giving.
Resourcing the systems that sustain giving
Asociatia pentru Relatii Comunitare
Strengthening local philanthropy and civil society in Romania through fundraising support, donor engagement, and community philanthropy initiatives.
Fonds pour les Femmes Congolaises
Supporting feminist movements and women-led organisations in the Democratic Republic of Congo through flexible funding, capacity strengthening, and advocacy.
Global Philanthropy Project
Coordinating global philanthropic funding and donor collaboration to strengthen LGBTQI movements and build more resilient ecosystems for human rights and social justice.
National Network of Local Philanthropy Development
Strengthening local philanthropy and community resilience in Ukraine through match-funding models, local giving initiatives, and cross-sector collaboration.
Building relationships and collaboration across the field
Alianza Socioambiental Fondos del Sur | Socio-Environmental Funds of the Global South
Connecting socio-environmental funds across the Global South to strengthen collaboration, local leadership, and collective action for environmental justice.
Alliance For Women And Girls
Building stronger connections among organisations advancing gender equality across Africa through collaboration, shared learning, and movement-building.
Arab Foundations Forum
Strengthening philanthropy across the Arab region by connecting foundations, fostering peer learning, and supporting more effective and collaborative giving.
ECFI / European Community Foundation Initiative
Supporting and connecting community foundations across Europe to strengthen local philanthropy, civic participation, and place-based philanthropy.
The Circle on Philanthropy
Advancing Indigenous-led philanthropy in Canada by strengthening relationships, accountability, and community-centred approaches to giving.
Strengthening knowledge, tools, and practice
Humentum & CIPFA
Strengthening financial management and accountability across the social sector through global standards, tools, and professional capacity-building for nonprofits and philanthropy actors.
IDIS – Institute for the Development of Social Investment
Advancing strategic philanthropy and social investment in Brazil through research, advisory support, field-building, and ecosystem collaboration.
Impact Foundation / Dasra
Building stronger social impact ecosystems in India by connecting philanthropy, nonprofits, and communities through research, collaboration, and capacity-building.
Participatory Grantmaking Community
Advancing participatory grantmaking practices globally by shifting decision-making power closer to the communities most affected by social challenges.
Tamarack Institute for Community Engagement
Supporting community-led systems change through learning networks, collaboration, and practical tools for collective impact.
Building trust, legitimacy, and influence
GuideStar India
Building trust and transparency in India’s philanthropy ecosystem through accessible nonprofit data, verification systems, and shared credibility infrastructure.
Philanthropy in Ukraine / PhilinUA
Building trusted infrastructure for philanthropy in Ukraine through due diligence, transparency, and coordination between donors and civil society organisations.
Philanthropy Ireland
Shaping the future of Irish philanthropy through strategic foresight, sector collaboration, and evidence-based leadership.
Sitawi Finance for Good
Advancing trust, transparency, and innovative financial solutions for social and environmental impact in Brazil.
Investing in the infrastructure philanthropy needs
Alliance for Gender Equality in Europe
Mobilising collaborative funding and strengthening support for grassroots gender equality organisations across Europe.
Instituto Cidadania Empresarial
Supporting long-term ecosystem building and impact entrepreneurship in Brazil through collaborative philanthropy and catalytic investment.
Mott Foundation
Providing long-term support for philanthropy infrastructure and community foundation development around the world.
Award recipients will be announced at WINGSForum 2026 in Montréal.
Why These Awards Matter
Philanthropy support organisations and ecosystem funders are essential, yet their work is often invisible and under-recognised. The WEBAs shine a light on the innovators who strengthen the foundations of philanthropic giving, build trust, convene communities, generate knowledge, and expand access to the tools that make philanthropy more effective.
They help answer a long-overlooked question: Who supports the people who support philanthropy?
An Open, Inclusive, Peer-Led Process
The WEBAs are rooted in WINGS’ principles of transparency, participation, and collaboration.
Applications open: 2–16 February 2026
Selection process: Peer-led, with voices from across the global network
Awardees announced: At WINGSForum 2026 in Montréal, in front of 500 philanthropy leaders
Where the Awards Will Be Announced
The recipients will be celebrated on the global stage at WINGSForum 2026, where leaders from 50+ countries come together to explore the future of philanthropy.
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Contact Us
Eva Rehse
Director of Network and Ecosystems