Nigel Morris

Change on a tremendous scale

By Susan Mackenzie

Background: Trustee, New Philanthropy Capital. Co-founder, ex-President and COO of Capital One. Currently on the board of the Economist Group, London Business School, and Quanta Holdings.

NPC's newest Trustee, Nigel Morris returned to London in 2004 after 20 years in the US, where he created and ran one of the greatest success stories in the financial services industry, Capital One. While he implemented its well regarded CSR programme-Capital One has been ranked as one of the best places to work both in America (Fortune) and in the UK (The Sunday Times) - Morris had not focused on his personal philanthropy.

Since returning to the UK, Morris and his wife have spent time looking at various models, to "see where we could have the most impact on the charitable sector… we are seeking to effect change on a tremendous scale, and so are focusing our resources on a few charities, where we can make a difference with both time and money." Morris, who was once a social worker in East London and his wife primarily support charities, such as NSPCC, that help children at risk.

Inspired by US venture philanthropy, Morris was also keen to become involved in 'new philanthropy' in the UK, and sought an opportunity to effect "systemic change in philanthropy". He elaborated: "Philanthropy is a harder sell in the UK than in the US, owing to differing sensibilities about charitable giving." Morris found NPC compelling for its "world-class research" that can "both inform and inspire giving", and was impressed with the management and trustees, who he describes as "imaginative, committed, and replete with high energy." Morris concludes: "I am excited to be a part of NPC as it moves to the next stage and becomes a change agent for charitable giving in the UK."

(from Philanthropy UK Newsletter, March 2005)

Back to top>>