Skip the primary navigation if you do not want to read it as the next section.
Skip the main content if you do not want to read it as the next section.
A Guide to Giving aims to provide clear, practical and objective guidance for anyone who wants to donate money or time to good causes and would like to do so in an effective and tax-efficient way.
This handbook presents a framework for developing a programme of philanthropic activity and highlights key principles of effective giving. It also offers guidance on a variety of approaches and mechanisms for giving, which, through a series of guest contributions, benefit from the expertise of thought leaders across the sector. The Guide is further augmented by a series of profiles of leading philanthropists in the UK.
The Guide is designed as an aid for givers; it does not seek to promote one cause over another, or to stress any particular school of thought on how best to give. Giving is - rightly - an intensely personal act, and there are many ways of engaging with giving. For instance, you might enjoy supporting your local theatre through annual grants from your charitable trust or you might wish to use your expertise to help individual social entrepreneurs improve their community. Recognising that philanthropy is highly individual, the framework, information and guidance in this handbook aim to help you develop a philanthropic 'portfolio' that reflects your own influences, motivations and objectives.
We use the term philanthropy broadly, to encompass not only traditional types of charitable giving, but also the range of activities through which people may express their sense of social responsibility. It includes giving time and advice as well as money. It also includes new approaches to giving that recognise the importance of harnessing the power of the private sector in promoting and sustaining a flourishing civil society. For example, you may make investment decisions that take account of the effect of the company's activities on society, or you may choose to back businesses or individuals who are trying to create wealth in underinvested communities, or you may wish to instil your personal social values within your family business.
Whatever your interests and motivations, we hope that this Guide helps and inspires you on your journey to developing your own approach to philanthropy and a portfolio of social investment.
Susan Mackenzie, Editor
October 2005
© Copyright 2007 Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF)
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided in A Guide to Giving is current at the time of publication (October 2005), but the Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) cannot guarantee its accuracy. Furthermore, there may have been subsequent changes to legislation, policy and/or to tax bands and rates. If you are considering any investment you should seek appropriate professional advice. This guide is not intended to replace professional advice on particular investments or the manner in which tax relief is applied under any scheme, and you should not rely on it for such purposes. You are responsible for your own tax and financial affairs and so should seek independent advice. ACF can not accept responsibility for the investment choices you make.
Views expressed in A Guide to Giving are not necessarily those of Philanthropy UK or the Association of Charitable Foundations.
Coutts & Co is not responsible for the content of A Guide to Giving, and the content does not constitute any advice whatsoever from Coutts & Co. The case studies and profiles within the Guide are not necessarily clients of Coutts & Co. Coutts & Co shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever arising from your reliance on any information produced in the Guide.
