Family philanthropy: rewards and challenges

By: 

Dr Beth Breeze

publications editor

Family Philanthropy: rewards and challenges

By Plum Lomax, Sarah Keen and Jonathan Lidster

In this paper, NPC and Global Partnership present the results of a philanthropy survey of single and multi-family offices in the UK, conducted between March and May 2010. Family offices are a source of generous philanthropists, but little is known about their motivations, the pleasure they get from their giving or the challenges they face. The results of this survey therefore offer a rare insight into the philanthropic nature of some of the UK's wealthiest families. The survey finds that most families have had positive experiences of giving, but some complain of 'tortuous administration' and fear of being 'actively pursued by charities'. Major motivations for family philanthropy are giving back to the community and addressing needs, and the vast majority (85%) of respondents with children under 21 involve them in their giving. The survey finds that the main criteria employed in giving decisions are the charity's vision and strategy and whether it is focused on the greatest need. This paper also notes that finding information about charities is a challenge, particularly around the measurement of results.
 

London: New Philanthropy Capital. December 2010. 6pp. Free to download here.