What better gift to philanthropy...?

"We advocate a number of things a future government could do in our manifesto (www.communityfoundations.org.uk//manifesto) but the creation of ‘special giving zones’ – geographical or issue-based – to incentivise giving to target certain issues or deprived areas deserves special attention. These would leverage private funds to tackle need and create opportunities for the isolated, excluded and disadvantaged in ways that are sometimes hard for government to do."

Matthew Bowcock, chairman,
Community Foundation Network

"I’d like to see more donor-advised funds to encourage more giving as they are an easy-to-establish, low-cost and admin-free alternative to creating a private foundation. If offered by financial institutions, they may also spur financial advisors to raise the subject of giving with their clients. While a handful of funds already exist in the UK, it would be good to see them becoming as widespread as they are elsewhere."

Martin Brookes, chief executive,
New Philanthropy Capital

"The most effective giving comes through progressive taxation. War on Want would like to see the government introduce a Tobin Tax on all foreign currency transactions involving sterling. In just one stroke, this would raise over £3 bn a year in new money for use in public health or anti-poverty programmes in the world’s poorest countries – far more than the total annual amount given by UK donors for charities to use overseas. It would also be a first step in making bankers repay some of the huge sums we have given them in bailouts. Happy Christmas all round!"

Stefanie Pfeil, fundraising director,
War on Want

"As a strategic investor in high-potential charities, we are well aware of charities’ need for more unrestricted funding that will allow them to build their capacity and their impact. What we would like is for tax reliefs on Share Giving to be boosted, to encourage more donations. A greatly under-used form of philanthropy, Share Giving is beneficial to both the donor and the recipient charity. The notion of shares is intimidating for many fundraisers and so is rarely explained to high net worth individuals, even though it can be hugely attractive to people whose share portfolio has capital gains. The government could, for example, create a bonus for Share Giving, where share donations leverage an additional 10% tax relief for three years. This would allow time for charities to seize the new opportunity and engage donors as the stock market recovers."

Daniela Barone Soares, chief executive,
Impetus Trust

"I would like the next government to have the vision and courage to think long term about philanthropy, and not to let fear of the tabloid press prevent them from acting to promote it. I wish for tax relief on significant gifts made in the lifetime of the donor. Lifetime Legacies may “benefit the rich”, but would benefit the recipient institutions far more. Such donations would transform the endowment resources of hospices and hospitals, universities, and arts institutions, over 20 years and beyond. They would immeasurably strengthen the health, education and culture sectors that underpin our national life and position in the world."

Theresa Lloyd,
The Philanthropy Advisory Service

Mark Evans, head of Wealth Institute,
Coutts & Co

"We would like to see the introduction of Charitable Remainder Trusts, or 'Lifetime Legacies' in respect of assets that donors cannot afford to release during their lifetime, since we consider that they offer several considerable benefits for both charities and philanthropists. The charity receives a clear, irrevocable commitment from the philanthropist, as well as the eventual receipt of a lump sum from his or her estate. Meanwhile, during his or her lifetime, the philanthropist receives a guaranteed income from, or continued enjoyment of, the asset. It is a win-win situation, and one that we would encourage the government to bring about."

Dr Salvatore LaSpada, chief executive,
Institute for Philanthropy

"Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat, please to put a penny in the old man’s hat.’ But how can we incentivise more people to add their penny and not just at Christmas? Could the US, where giving is double the UK rate, offer some suggestions? Surely it’s no coincidence that America has historically offered the world’s most generous tax concessions to its philanthropists. Much has been written on this recently but all I, and I’m sure much of the third sector, wish for, is that government delivers simple, accessible and worthwhile tax incentives for charity donors."

Shaks Ghosh, chief executive,
Private Equity Foundation

"I don’t believe there is one ‘silver bullet’ that would singularly transform giving. Initiatives like Lifetime Legacies could encourage certain groups to donate but won’t appeal to everyone. There should be a consistent approach from government to support a culture that makes giving the norm in society and clearly articulates the importance of the work done by charities. This starts with funding for initiatives aimed at the next generation of philanthropists. However, if I had to choose one thing it would be universal access to payroll giving."

Hannah Terrey, head of policy,
Charities Aid Foundation

"We would like the government to do more than talk about the importance of our smaller, grassroots charities in bringing about social change. We would like them to commission a study of their worth and look at how best to back them with money and policies that will help them grow. And because we know capacity building makes a huge difference to these charities we would like to see that recognised, regularised and supported too."

Fiona Halton, chief executive,
Pilotlight