Every year, the Philanthropy Network holds the Inter-American Forum on Strategic Philanthropy (FIFE), one of the main meetings on management and social innovation in Brazil. In 2025, the event landed in Curitiba — and, for the first time, I had the opportunity to participate in person, representing the Bem Maior Movement, an institutional partner of the forum.
I've been involved in shaping the sector's agenda for some time, but being at FIFE was like experiencing firsthand the pulse of the Brazilian philanthropic ecosystem – and also satisfying my longing for Curitiba, a city I've had the opportunity to visit many times, both for work and leisure. Below, I share some reflections that this experience brought me:
Corporate governance in the third sector
The event impresses with its size and diversity: more than 1,300 people, 100 panels, and a vibrant exchange of leaders, social organizations, professionals, and experts. This mobilization demonstrates the strength and scope of the Brazilian third sector, which is becoming increasingly professionalized and organized around contemporary issues.
The continuous pursuit of professionalization
The layout of the booths — featuring law firms, specialized auditing firms, digital platforms, and management solutions — reflected an important trend: professionalization is becoming a key driver for strengthening the sustainability, maturity, and reach of social organizations. More than just a differentiating factor, investing in qualified management is an essential step for those seeking to make their work sustainable and expand their positive impact on the community.
The importance of strategic action at COP 30
One of the most thought-provoking moments was the roundtable discussion about COP 30 , led by Francinaldo Santos Jr. , Erika Bechara , Fabiana Dias , and Jairo Malta . Reflections on the role of Brazilian social organizations in the world conference, and the risk of having a COP "without the Global South," highlighted the need to strengthen strategies for political influence, advocacy , and visibility for the third sector. To delve deeper into the topic, I recommend a recent article by Erika Bechara published in Folha de S.Paulo .
The Greater Future in Focus
I had the honor of presenting, firsthand, the institutional case study of the Futuro Bem Maior —an important milestone in our strategy to strengthen community organizations. Even more special was reconnecting with organizations that had participated in the program, now present at the event and engaged in the discussions. Seeing these leaders deepening their knowledge, expanding their connections, and occupying spaces like FIFE reinforces what we have always believed: lasting impact is born from relationships of trust, built with presence and real partnership.
A sector connected to major global transformations
Topics such as climate crisis, artificial intelligence, tariff wars, and geopolitical changes permeated many of the discussions throughout the event, reflecting a third sector attentive to the transformations of our time. It was inspiring to see how social organizations are appropriating these agendas and seeking answers in their own way.
During an interview with the event team during a break in the program, I was asked what word would summarize the FIFE experience. I answered without hesitation: communion. Beyond networking or training, FIFE has established itself as a space where knowledge, experience, and purpose intertwine, expanding the boundaries of social action. It was a privilege to represent MBM in such a fertile environment—reaffirming that it is from our value of collaboration that we build the impact we desire for the future.
. . .
This post was written by:
Guilherme Mattoso, Communications Manager of the Bem Maior Movement.
">
