The Beacon Manifesto

The UK has a rich heritage of private philanthropy. It is scarcely possible to walk down any high street in our country without seeing the indelible mark of philanthropy in our hospitals, schools and universities, in libraries and community centres, theatres and museums, and in our religious and charitable institutions. Philanthropy is a force that has shaped our modern society.

More urgently, we are living in a time of great need, when inequality has led to deep divisions.

With social and environmental needs at crisis levels, we believe those who have benefited from the opportunities to create wealth in our society should accept the responsibility of giving back as a civic duty.

The Beacon Collaborative believes that:

1. 1. Wealth holders are the members of society with the greatest capacity to contribute our additional resources for public benefit.
   2. Civil society flourishes when it is recognised to be a shared responsibility between government, the voluntary sector and private individuals.
   3. The social contract must be reshaped; our economy offers the freedom to create great wealth, but with reward must come responsibility.
   4. Private philanthropic capital represents a precious resource that is not readily available in the public or private sectors.
   5. Philanthropy should be free to challenge the status quo where the outcome is a better society for all.
   6. Philanthropy is a mechanism by which responsible citizens can deepen their engagement in society and it is additive to their contribution as tax-payers.