The Voice for Philanthropists

We are a movement to encourage more private assets to be used for public good.

Philanthropy is an act of caring, a recognition that some of the resources that you have can be used to make the world a better place.

It has alleviated poverty, fostered art and culture, strengthened communities and improved our environment.

When most effective, the philanthropist brings skills, experience and networks as well as money.

This is the oxygen that nurtures the sort of society we want to live in and planet we want to live on.

Vision

Our vision is to contribute to the growth of a stronger independent civil society, by more people using more of their private assets for public good

Mission

Our mission is to see philanthropy grow, as giving is recognised as a valuable contribution to society. We do this by spreading best practice and gaining confidence from each other to give more and better.

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15 April 2021 James Macdonald

Foundations are rising to the Covid challenge. How can yours?

New research published by the Association of Charitable Foundations reveals that the majority of UK foundations are looking to maintain or continue their grant funding during 2021. The research comes as a relief to the many charities struggling for funding in the UK. We look what philanthropists can take from this research for their foundation’s funding practices throughout the year.

13 April 2021 James Macdonald

Could this be the world’s largest philanthropy forum?

Beginning in 2017, the Talking Philanthropy forum has provided a platform for philanthropic discussion over the last four years. With the Covid pandemic in mind, the Global Philanthropic team are now taking the forum online for the first time. We look at what this year’s forum will cover and how you can sign up.

12 April 2021 James Macdonald

New report demonstrates how philanthropists can use their funding to challenge the status quo

A new report looks into funding programmes designed in 2020 and how they have (or have not) reached organisations led by black people and communities experiencing racial injustice. The report gives a number of recommendations funders and funding organisations can implement to redress the balance and serves as a reminder of the vital role philanthropy can play in challenging the status quo.

1 April 2021 James Macdonald

Beacon to launch new research into young givers’ attitudes to philanthropy

This month, Beacon and Savanta will publish brand new research into young wealth holders’ attitudes to giving. The new research identifies 10 key insights for fundraisers and charities, which will be shared at an online launch event on 22nd April. We encourage all those who are interested in learning about the next generation of philanthropists to attend.

22 March 2021 Cath Dovey

Millionaire giving increases through first quarter of 2021

Millionaire giving levels have increased for the first three months in 2021. This is based on new pulse data emerging from Beacon and Savanta. The data shows that giving has returned to levels similar to those at the beginning of the pandemic. With a vaccine now being rolled out and an end to the pandemic in sight, it appears that wealthy individuals are once again feeling more comfortable to give more.

5 March 2021 James Macdonald

Budget 2021: SITR gets two-year extension

In his 2021 budget, announced on Wednesday this week, Chancellor Sunak extended the social investment tax relief scheme by a further two years. We look in detail at why it might have been cut, why the sector should be relieved at this extension, and how SITR can be improved.

Applying principles of business to environmental philanthropy

Satish Selvanathan has always been fascinated by Sri Lanka and passionate about conserving its beautiful natural environment. Two years ago, he decided to co-found Lanka Environment Fund as a way of supporting green projects in the country. Satish tells us how he is applying his two decades of experience in the private sector to his work with the new fund.

30 March 2021

The dynamics of philanthropy through a family foundation

The Garfield Weston Foundation has been involved in philanthropy for over 50 years. During this time, the foundation has given millions of pounds to support a range of causes including the Arts and culture, youth and welfare, the environment and education. We spoke with foundation director Philippa Charles to learn more about what drives the family’s giving and how Covid has seen their philanthropy ramp-up.

9 March 2021

Fighting domestic abuse through philanthropy

In 2007, Stelio Stefanou sold his public services management company Accord. Following this, he wanted to stay away from business roles and instead become more involved in doing good through charity work. His mission? To find and create a programme which addressed the social issue of intergenerational domestic violence. We spoke to him to learn about The For Baby’s Sake Trust.

2 March 2021

3 Guiding Principles of Philanthropy, with Andrew Law

Andrew Law is the co-founder of the Law Family Charitable Foundation, established a decade ago. In pursuing his philanthropy, he follows three principles. He spoke to us go into detail on these, and to provide his advice for budding philanthropists.

23 February 2021

Applying the principles of construction to philanthropy

A career in construction teaches you a lot about collaboration and efficient working. Steve Morgan CBE founded construction company Redrow before beginning his own foundation. For Steve, applying what he has learnt as a builder to his philanthropy is key. He speaks to us to share more about how his experience as a builder has helped to shape his philanthropic journey.

19 February 2021

Year in review: An interview with Matthew Bowcock, co-founder @ Beacon Collaborative.

Following a successful career in software and startups, Matthew Bowcock co-founded the Hazelhurst Trust in 2000. The intention was to provide grants and other forms of social finance to local charities and social enterprises. He speaks to us about what inspires his giving, the strategy he uses, and the impacts of the pandemic on the foundation’s 2020 activities.

18 December 2020

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