The first print issue of our 25th anniversary year has just been published.

Obviously, reaching 25 years old in the world of non-profit media is not something we take for granted so I’ve used my editorial to say thank you to readers, friends and supporters for the trust you place in our mission to hold up a mirror to our field.

This issue’s special feature examines the intersection between law and philanthropy. It was guest edited by David Sampson at the UK’s Baring Foundation and Nicolette Naylor at the Ford Foundation in South Africa. They argue that philanthropic engagement with the law is at its most purposeful – and profound – when helping to enlarge the space for communities to seek justice sometimes far away from courts. ‘Courtroom judgements are only part of the solution’ they note in their opening article.

Elsewhere, James Goldston and Martin O’Brien take a retrospective look at 25 years of legal philanthropy reflecting on their work at OSF and Atlantic Philanthropies, and the Mott Foundation discusses its work supporting community based paralegals across Africa.

Given the issues around ‘closing space’, we also explore a critical role for philanthropy in supporting liberal democracy, a pluralistic civil society and the rule of law in Europe and beyond. Many of the tools to fund effectively in this area are familiar: a commitment to the longer term, a willingness to provide core funding and a tolerance for risk.

Outside our special feature, there are articles about child protection philanthropy at Porticus, philanthropic efforts to combat social polarisation in France, and an interview with the recently appointed CEO of the German Association of Foundations.

I hope you enjoy our latest issue.

Stay tuned for our next issue in June focused on climate philanthropy in the run up to the COP26 in Glasgow.