See blog posts from our team, partners, founders and network, on topics affecting the philanthropy sector.
Much like the Beacon Collaborative, London Funders strives to enable our members to not just give, but to give well. In this guest blog, we’re covering how we’ve supported London’s communities during the covid-19 crisis, what we have learnt so far, and (perhaps most excitingly) what we’re doing next.
How can we realise the integral contribution the Arts makes to society and incorporate this through a reinvigoration of place-based philanthropy? Paul Callaghan CBE and Paul Williams explore how arts and culture can be used to inspire the regeneration of communities neglected by traditional development projects.
2020 In Review: What can we learn from the philanthropy sector’s COVID response? “2020 has been the most important year for philanthropy in recent times.” – Matthew Bowcock Throughout 2020, hundreds of millions of pounds in grants have been distributed to non-profit organisations throughout the UK. The purpose, to support those that found themselves […]
In 2007, Sir Alec Reed, founder of one of the UK’s best known recruitment brands, REED, saw a huge gap in the philanthropic and giving landscape: the opportunity for small, medium and large donors to join together to meet a charity’s needs for a specific campaign. From this realisation, Sir Alec has spent more than a decade to make giving easier for all kinds of donors.
Prism, the Gift Fund, recently launched The Philanthropy Paradox, a research report that suggests philanthropists are not held in particularly high esteem, especially among those who are most likely to have come into contact with their work. We argue that the solution lies not in the words, but in actions. Philanthropists must work to root their work in the communities they support. In parallel, society must recognise it will gain more by treating those who give thoughtfully in service of a better society with greater nuance and care.
The Environmental Funders Network have released an illustrated booklet of case studies to showcase pathways into environmental funding. The 27 stories of network members, including individuals and trust and foundations, demonstrate the transformative potential of philanthropy. This work not only showcases pathways to new and increasing philanthropy for those that wish to support environmental causes but also offers valuable insights into all philanthropic efforts and best practice in giving.
The Law Family Commission on Civil Society aims to research the ways in which civil society can
“harness and enhance the powerful community bonds that exist in our nation”.
The commission will investigate how the the public, private and social sectors can work together for systemic, positive societal goals. It will be run by Pro Bono Economics and has been made possible with a philanthropic donation from the Law Family Charitable Foundation.
The COVID crisis should provide evidence of why philanthropy matters and why we need to take it more seriously than ever before in a society open to generosity. One cause for optimism during these bleakest of times has been a voluntary spirit and desire to help others, which emerged right from the start of the lockdown. Admonished to stay at home and protect the NHS, many instead found ways to help other human beings rather than stay still, immobilised by public mandate.
Guest Blog from Jasmine Awad from IG advisors on the need for making strong and lasting relationships between non-profits and donors even more obvious. To support the sector during these challenging times, I.G. Advisors partnered with the Ford Foundation to create the Field Guide to Relationship-Based Fundraising, a free and accessible fundraising toolkit designed to help non-profits build strong relationships with their donors.
The Beacon Collaborative