Philanthropy at the Crossroads: Funding Democracy's Future | Trust Conference 2025 | Day Two

As government aid shrinks, philanthropy's critical role in safeguarding democratic institutions has exploded. Private funding offers agility, supporting vital programs and innovative solutions where freedoms are most threatened. But we are seeing a concerning ripple effect from such sizable funding cuts, with significant socio-economic implications. Can private funding truly fill the void? What are philanthropy's potential and limits? And how do we guarantee transparency, accountability, and freedom from bias in these vital initiatives?  Speakers: Quinn McKew – ARTICLE 19 Sigrid van Aken – Postcode Lottery Group Tobias Jung – Centre for the Study of Philanthropy & Public Good Melanie Hui – Luminate Rebecca Vincent (Moderator) – Big Brother Watch About Trust Conference: Trust Conference is the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s flagship annual event. Every year, Trust Conference brings together world-leading experts, innovators, and activists who are tackling global challenges at the intersection of media freedom, technology, law, and responsible business practices. Find out more on our website: https://tinyurl.com/trustconference