The Beacon Collaborative is now part of NPC, the think tank and consultancy for the impact sector.
As part of NPC, we will continue our work to grow philanthropic giving in the UK. Together, our goal is support philanthropists to give more and give better.
Our story
Philanthropists Cath Dovey CBE and Matthew Bowcock CBE set up The Beacon Collaborative in 2018, with the aim of inspiring more wealthy people to use their assets for the public good.
The hypothesis was a simple one: that philanthropy in the UK would grow if there was a better system supporting it and donors were properly engaged.
In 2019 Beacon began a work plan of 25 time-limited projects — delivered with organisations already active in the philanthropy ecosystem — and aimed at accelerating the development of philanthropy in the UK.
The five-year programme encompassed activities across research and measurement, public awareness, political engagement, peer influence and professional services.
The successes from this programme highlighted the importance of a common vision and collective action to bring greater national attention to the role of philanthropy in civil society and the philanthropy sector.
The hypothesis was a simple one: that philanthropy in the UK would grow if there was a better system supporting it and donors were properly engaged.
It is only with a strong and vibrant philanthropy sector — supporting new donors to engage in giving, enabling them to make informed choices, and embedding giving behaviours in our culture — that philanthropy will grow.
In 2024, Beacon completed the work plan. To find out more about the successful results of the initial five-year programme, read co-founder Cath Dovey’s blog.
In 2025, Beacon merged with NPC continuing Beacon’s mission to grow philanthropy in all its forms and strengthening NPC’s capacity to support expansion across the impact sector through convening, influencing and consulting. Joining Beacon’s experience in growing philanthropy with NPC’s expertise in impact was the perfect way to take our work forward.