Our History

At the beginning of the 21st century the climate appeared right for a new period of growth in philanthropy. The fast-growing finance and computer/telecommunications industries were producing many individuals of high net wealth. Though often relatively young and with no family or personal tradition of giving, many such people were expressing interest in using part of their wealth for social and public purposes. A growing volume of enquiries was being received by several different organisations. Yet there was little capacity for pro-active work, and without a focal point or co-ordinating mechanism, potential settlors and donors could not easily find clear factual information, advice as to the range of options available, or 'signposts' to the organisations that could help them follow through their enthusiasm and make best use of their funds.

The Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) therefore established Philanthropy UK, with an aim to promote new philanthropy, particularly among those with substantial resources, by:

• Providing independent practical advice to would-be donors
• Networking among practitioners, researchers and advisers to facilitate sharing of good practice
• Researching and documenting the motivations and concerns of donors

Directed by Theresa Lloyd, the project ran for three years until mid-2004. Its achievements include:

• Why Rich People Give (2004), the first major British study into the wealthy and their giving patterns, experiences and expectations
• A Guide to Giving 1st ed. (2003), the first comprehensive and independent guide to giving mechanisms
• A bi-monthly email newsletter (past issues are available on this site)
• Establishment of a simplified procedure for setting up a charitable trust
• Provision of guidance to organisations and individuals
• Contribution to advocacy and lobbying activities, often with other organisations such as the Charities' Tax Reform Group, on matters such as charity remainder trusts and, via the Goodison Review, on tax reliefs for gifts of works and art
• Representation on the reference group of The Giving Campaign and in several other informal networks

The project was funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and the Lloyds TSB Foundation for England & Wales.