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Philanthropy will remain a priority in a recession
16 December 2008
New handbook for 21st century giving
10 December 2008
More wealthy Britons seek advice to give effectively
27 September 2007
New resource for effective giving
17 September 2007
New online directory connects donors to charities
20 November 2006
Cabinet Office funds Philanthropy UK
5 June 2006
New handbook helps donors to give effectively
24 October 2005
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Philanthropy will remain a priority in a recession
16 December 2008
The December issue of the Philanthropy UK Newsletter presents optimistic findings on the likely effects of a recession on philanthropic giving. Interviews with philanthropists and their advisors reveal that the panic pervading the third sector is not mirrored in the donor community, although funders are being cautious.
Despite dramatic falls in the value of assets and uncertainty about the full extent of the economic crisis, the major donors who spoke to Philanthropy UK remain committed to supporting their chosen causes. For example, one donor said, “I have commitments which I intend to honour, especially when there is even greater need in these difficult times”. Another explained, “My giving will not change as I have long-term strategic goals and set aside funds to achieve those goals during the bubble.”
Contrary to the doom-and-gloom assumptions of declining income being voiced by many charities, some major donors suggested they might even increase their giving to domestic causes. For example, one philanthropist said, “I may be more likely to give to UK charities as the recession is creating even more need, and I’m keen to encourage individuals or groups who are showing commitment to resolve issues within our local communities.”
This is endorsed by a wealth manager who commented, “For those clients who are riding the storms well, have significant capital and are minded to make significant donations, they are even more committed to the need to do this.”
Furthermore, it is important to recall that much philanthropic giving comes from money that has already been set aside in charitable trusts and foundations. Recent years have seen a lot of wealth transferred to these giving vehicles, and these contributions will continue to make their way to good causes.
Whilst the capacity of some donors to give may have decreased, their commitment to the sector has not. They remain passionate about their philanthropy, and recognise that, especially now, charities need their support. One donor told Philanthropy UK, “Charities dealing with poverty in all its forms will need more resources in a downturn… It is important for donors to at least maintain their [level of] giving.” Other donors said that they are likely to be even more focused on impact, efficiency and leverage, accelerating the ‘new philanthropy’ movement.
History shows that recessions do not portend the end of philanthropy, and the UK clearly has many committed, passionate and engaged philanthropists who recognise the need and are responding to the best of their ability.
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Notes for Editors
- The full report on philanthropists’ response to the current economic environment is published in the December 2008 edition of the Philanthropy UK Newsletter, available online at www.philanthropyuk.org/Newsletter.
- Philanthropy UK is the leading resource for free and impartial advice to aspiring philanthropists who want to give effectively. We publish the Philanthropy UK Newsletter and companion News Bulletin, read in over 60 countries; and A Guide to Giving, the handbook for 21st century giving sponsored by private bank Coutts & Co. The third edition of the Guide was published on 10th December. An initiative of the Association of Charitable Foundations, Philanthropy UK was founded in 2001 and is supported by a range of charitable foundations with funding from the Cabinet Office.
- For further information and to arrange interviews, please contact Susan Mackenzie, Director of Philanthropy UK
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New handbook for 21st century giving
10 December 2008
A Guide to Giving 3rd edition, the updated and essential handbook for 21st century giving, is launched today.
Published by Philanthropy UK with the continued support of private bank Coutts & Co, A Guide to Giving is a valuable and up-to-date resource for both philanthropists and their advisors that sets the benchmark for inspirational, practical and objective guidance.
This updated Guide reflects the evolved and sophisticated approach donors now take in their giving. New topics include charity impact evaluation, community development finance, donor advised funds and sustainable finance; all written by experts in the field.
A new section on family business and philanthropy explores the growing trend in corporate philanthropy as an expression of the ethos of family-owned businesses.
Its ‘Framework for effective giving’ provides a step-by-step process for creating a charitable giving strategy that will reflect donors’ unique interests and objectives, while a comprehensive resource introduces donors to the growing range of charitable services and products to help UK donors give more effectively.
Mark Evans, Head of Family Business & Philanthropy, Coutts & Co, said: “The third edition of A Guide to Giving couldn't be more timely given the current turmoil in financial markets. Philanthropy UK are to be congratulated for showing just how easy and fun it can be to give time, money, encouragement and expertise to make the world a better place. It's all about balancing heart and mind.”
Profiles of both new and experienced philanthropists, including Sir Ian Wood, Stanley Fink and John Wates, engage readers in the journey of giving.
Susan Mackenzie, Director of Philanthropy UK, said: “We are delighted to work with Coutts & Co in the updating of A Guide to Giving. It truly is the giving resource for the 21st century and we hope that the additional topics and giving framework will help and inspire all donors on their philanthropic journey.”
The Guide is available free of charge online and as a downloadable document from www.philanthropyuk.org. Hard copies will be available for a small fee.
www.philanthropyuk.org/AGuidetoGiving
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Notes to Editors
Philanthropy UK is the leading resource for free and impartial advice to aspiring philanthropists who want to give effectively. We also publish the Philanthropy UK Newsletter and companion Bulletin, read in over 60 countries around the globe. An initiative of the Association of Charitable Foundations, Philanthropy UK was founded in 2001 and is supported by a range of charitable foundations with funding from the Cabinet Office.
Coutts & Co is the UK private banking arm of the Royal Bank of Scotland. The Royal Bank of Scotland Group is one of the world's largest banking groups.
The first Coutts & Co regional office to be opened was Eton in 1961. Today, Coutts & Co has regional offices in Bath, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Chelmsford, Cheltenham, Eton, Guildford, Hampshire, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford, Reading and Tunbridge Wells.
Coutts & Co offers clients a range of products and services covering sophisticated investment products together with expertise in trust and fiduciary services and UK tax and banking services. Coutts commercial banking arm also provides full banking service to UK businesses.
Coutts & Co is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Coutts & Co Registered in England No 36695 Registered Office 440 Strand London WC2R 0QS.
Calls may be recorded.
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More wealthy Britons seek advice to give effectively
27 September 2007
More wealthy individuals are giving, and in more sophisticated ways, a new report shows.
And, they are seeking professional advice to help them to give effectively, so that their contributions will make a positive difference to the lives of people in need.
These are the findings of Wealth and Philanthropy: the views of those who advise the rich, a report published by Philanthropy UK this week, which is based on a survey of advisors to high-net-worth individuals.
The report builds on Philanthropy UK’s 2002 research published in Why Rich People Give, which was the first major British study into giving by the wealthy. Five years on, the new research also reveals that more wealthy people
are giving during their lifetime, rather than waiting to leave a legacy in their will. It is also clear that donors of all wealth levels are very concerned about the effectiveness and efficiency with which charities use their money.
“The research findings provide a real basis for optimism,” said Susan Mackenzie, Director of Philanthropy UK, and the report’s author. “Givers are increasingly informed and engaged, which leads to more effective uses of their money. The challenge now is to accelerate these trends. Advisors, government, charities and the media all have their part to play.”
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Notes to Editors
- Philanthropy UK is an initiative of the Association of Charitable Foundations and is supported by a range of charitable foundations with funding from the Cabinet Office.
- Philanthropy UK is the leading resource for free and impartial advice to aspiring philanthropists who want to give effectively. We publish the Philanthropy UK Newsletter, the leading publication on British philanthropy, and A Guide to Giving, the essential handbook for philanthropists. Both are available free on our website.
Contact
Susan Mackenzie, Philanthropy UK Director
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Effective giving just got easier
17 September 2007
Aspiring philanthropists now have an essential and free resource to ensure their giving is effective.
Philanthropy UK’s website – www.philanthropyuk.org – launched this week, is a significant new source of independent and impartial advice from authoritative experts. It provides practical information and tools to enable donors to give effectively and to make a positive contribution to their community.
This new resource includes commentaries from philanthropists and top advisors; a snapshot of charity and giving trends; information on tax-efficient giving; and Your Giving Journey. All together these provide an intelligent ‘how to get started’ tool-kit. There also are full listings of the wide range of advisors who can be contacted when decisions need to be made further down the line.
Philanthropy UK is an independent project supported by both philanthropy and government. “Our aim is to support and encourage people who are serious about their charitable giving,” says Susan Mackenzie, Philanthropy UK’s Director. “With the dramatic increase in wealth in Britain, more individuals want to give, and this website helps them to have the confidence that their money is really making a difference.”
Sir Peter Lampl, Chairman of the Sutton Trust, commented: “Philanthropy UK has become established as one of the leading sources of information and guidance for donors. I commend Philanthropy UK on the new website and am sure that it will be a great help to individuals who are seeking to make their philanthropy more effective."
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Notes to Editors
- Philanthropy UK is an initiative of the Association of Charitable Foundations and is supported by a range of charitable foundations with funding from the Cabinet Office.
- Philanthropy UK is the leading resource for free and impartial advice to aspiring philanthropists who want to give effectively. We publish the Philanthropy UK Newsletter, the leading publication on British philanthropy, and A Guide to Giving, the essential handbook for philanthropists. Both are available free on our website.
Contact
Susan Mackenzie, Philanthropy UK Director
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New online Directory connects donors to charities
20 November 2006
The Philanthropy Directory, launched today by Philanthropy UK, is the new, comprehensive guide to the wide range of charitable services and products for UK givers.
Whatever their level of giving, this new online resource connects donors to the information and support they need to give effectively and to feel confident about their giving – from databanks of possible charities they can support, to advisory services specially tailored to the individual donor. It also includes detailed profiles of many of these charitable organisations.
The past few years have seen remarkable growth in the range of charitable services that help donors to give effectively. A number of innovative approaches to supporting the voluntary and community sector have also emerged. As a result of this new activity and terminology, many new donors do not know where to start. Now with this new Directory, help is at hand.
Susan Mackenzie, Philanthropy UK Director, said: “Philanthropy UK aims to help donors by 'joining up the dots', and making the picture clearer for givers. The Philanthropy Directory complements our popular handbook, A Guide to Giving, by connecting donors to the variety of resources now available in the sector.”
Donors can search The Philanthropy Directory at www.philanthropyuk.org.
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About Philanthropy UK
Philanthropy UK is a charitable initiative which promotes and supports the development of new giving in the UK. Hosted by the Association of Charitable Foundations, it publishes the Philanthropy UK Newsletter, the journal of British philanthropy, and A Guide to Giving, the essential handbook for philanthropists. Philanthropy UK is funded by the Office of the Third Sector in the Cabinet Office and six major trusts and foundations.
Contact: Susan Mackenzie, Director
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Cabinet Office funds Philanthropy UK to promote new giving
5 June 2006
For immediate release
The Office of the Third Sector in the Cabinet Office has awarded Philanthropy UK a strategic, multi-year grant to promote new giving.
This three-year commitment, which began in April 2006, will fund Philanthropy UK’s work in promoting effective giving and will be used to enhance Philanthropy UK’s existing support as well as to conduct a sector-wide consultation to determine the nature of support desired by individual givers and the role of philanthropic support bodies in meeting those needs. An Advisory Board of leaders from across the sector has been established to oversee the initiative.
Philanthropy UK, an initiative of the Association of Charitable Foundations, publishes the Philanthropy UK Newsletter, the journal of British philanthropy, and A Guide to Giving, the essential handbook for philanthropists.
David Gold, Chair of the Philanthropy UK Advisory Board, said: “There is great potential for growth in charitable giving over the coming years, especially among the newly wealthy. We look forward to working with our partners across the sector in engaging and supporting these new philanthropists – and in promoting the fun and ease of giving.”
About Philanthropy UK
Philanthropy UK aims to help develop new philanthropy by promoting and disseminating knowledge and best practice to all those involved in giving. The initiative is funded by the Office of the Third Sector in the Cabinet Office, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Gatsby Charitable Foundation, Lloyds TSB Foundation for England & Wales, the Baring Foundation, Tudor Trust, and Vodafone UK Foundation.
For more information, contact Susan Mackenzie, Director
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Notes to Editors
- The Philanthropy UK Newsletter is a free, quarterly e-newsletter on new developments in philanthropy. A Guide to Giving 2nd ed (2005), produced by Philanthropy UK in association with private bank Coutts & Co, is the essential, free handbook for anyone who would like to support charities and good causes effectively, and features profiles of individual philanthropists, including Sir Ronald Cohen and Gordon Roddick. The Guide, available free of charge at www.philanthropyuk.org/aguidetogiving, has been downloaded over 5,000 times this year.
- The Philanthropy UK Advisory Board members are:
David Gold (Chair), A Glimmer of Hope
Julian Blake Bates, Wells & Braithwaite
Beth Breeze
Clare Brooks, Community Foundation Network
David Carrington
Amanda Delew
Robert Dufton, Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Fiona Halton, Pilotlight
Sheila Hooper, Charities Aid Foundation
Victoria Hornby, Charles Dunstone Charitable Trust
Dr Salvatore LaSpada, Institute for Philanthropy
Theresa Lloyd
Jai Mukherjee, New Philanthropy Capital
Dr Frederick Mulder, The Funding Network
Gerry Salole, European Foundation Centre
Kate Sayer, Sayer Vincent
Bala Thakrar, Asian Foundation for Philanthropy
Whitni Thomas, Triodos Bank
Anthony Tomei, Nuffield Foundation
Nick Wright, UBS
David Emerson, Association of Charitable Foundations (Secretariat) - Background: The Philanthropy UK project, led by Director Theresa Lloyd, was a threeyear initiative of ACF which ended in 2004. On completion of the project ACF, from 2004 to 2006, worked with an informal consortium of organisations to develop and foster a network for those interested in exploring and promoting new ideas in philanthropy.
- Philanthropy UK is an initiative of the Association of Charitable Foundations
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New on-line handbook helps donors to give effectively
24 October 2005
A Guide to Giving, launched today, is the essential, free handbook for anyone who would like to support charities and good causes effectively. The Guide provides clear, practical and objective guidance on a variety of approaches to and mechanisms for giving.
There has been remarkable growth in the range of charitable services that help donors in the UK to give effectively, yet many people who would like to give do not know of their existence. Now, with the publication of the second edition of A Guide to Giving, Philanthropy UK in association with private bank Coutts & Co has provided a unique, comprehensive resource to support all individuals wishing to give to charitable causes.
The new edition includes a framework for effective giving, with a step-by-step process for creating a charitable giving strategy that reflects one’s own motivations, interests, circumstances and objectives. The Guide also has guest contributions from leading organisations and individuals on a variety of topics, including venture philanthropy, community foundations, charity selection and social returns. In addition, profiles of individual philanthropists – including Sir Ronald Cohen, Sir Peter Lampl and Gordon Roddick – bring to life the information and guidance though inspiring, real-life examples.
“A Guide to Giving is designed to help and inspire individuals on their journey to developing their own approach to philanthropy by introducing them to existing resources and by providing stimulus and food for thought”, commented Susan Mackenzie, Editor of A Guide to Giving.
Mark Evans, Head of Family Business and Strategic Philanthropy for Coutts & Co, added: “In addition to being informative and inspiring, A Guide to Giving represents a call for action. It will help people decide for themselves how and what to give and to whom by creating a framework for giving time and money wisely. The guide covers a wide range of topics and includes a number of personal stories and an important section on tax-efficient giving – research shows that about half of the population are not aware of the tax benefits, and this alone would make an enormous difference to the funds available to charities.”
The Guide is available free of charge in an interactive online version and as a downloadable document. Hard copies are available for a fee. To access or order A Guide to Giving, visit www.philanthropyuk.org/aguidetogiving.
For more information, please contact:
Susan Mackenzie
Editor, A Guide to Giving
www.philanthropyuk.org
Mark Evans
Head of Family Business & Strategic Philanthropy
Coutts & Co
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Notes
- Philanthropy UK, hosted by Association of Charitable Foundations, aims to help develop new philanthropy by promoting and disseminating knowledge and best practice to all those involved in giving. In addition to A Guide to Giving, Philanthropy UK publishes a free, quarterly e-newsletter on developments in philanthropy. To read past issues or subscribe, visit www.philanthropyuk.org/newsletter.
- Coutts is the international private banking arm of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group. The Royal Bank of Scotland Group is one of the world's largest banking groups. Coutts manages the wealth of 98,000 high net worth clients worldwide through a network of 40 offices globally. Coutts offers clients a range of products and services covering sophisticated investment products together with expertise in trust and fiduciary services and UK tax and banking services.
- The Coutts Education and Networking Programme for Philanthropy aims to help clients create an effective giving strategy, engage other members of the family, conduct market research, get professional advice, evaluate projects and create a portfolio of philanthropic interests. For more information, visit www.coutts.com/philanthropy.
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More wealthy Britons seek advice to give effectively