The Million Pound Donors Report 2012 - University of Kent

dIscUssIon
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DISCUSSIOn
For all these reasons, it is important that there continues to
be a positive environment for philanthropy to develop and
flourish in the UK. The reaction to the proposed cap on tax
relief for charitable giving suggests that it is important for
key stakeholders (including philanthropic organisations,
government and civil society organisations) to periodically
revisit and articulate what the key characteristics of an
enabling environment are. Such a review should include,
and look beyond, any financial incentives.
Equally, as Matthew Bowcock, Chairman, Community
Foundation network and philanthropist says:
“Philanthropists should expect that they will come
under increasing scrutiny and pressure to justify the
public benefits that their giving delivers in return for
tax reliefs. In any future debate, philanthropy must
find better ways to argue its value by presenting the
benefits that it brings to society.”
4. Encouraging more philanthropy
During 2012 a number of major initiatives aimed at
inspiring and celebrating philanthropy in the UK have
been announced and received the backing of major
philanthropists. These initiatives called for action in
response to the growing need in communities, among
charities serving the vulnerable and poor.
One such initative is the ‘Give More’ campaign, funded by
the Pears Foundation with support from a number of
individuals and other organisations and chaired by Trevor
Pears CMG, executive chair of Pears Foundation. Pears
says:
“The fact is, need in our communities is going up while
resource is going down. Give More has a very simple
purpose – to celebrate the UK’s long heritage as a
giving nation and encourage members of the public to
pledge to give more in 2012.”
A further initiative, funded by the Esmée Fairbairn
Foundation, is called ‘The Philanthropy Fellowship’. It
aims to establish a network of community philanthropists
and inspire a greater culture of philanthropy in the UK by
convening and supporting people who:
• Have purpose and passion and want to make a
meaningful contribution by giving their skills, time and
financial resources.
• Want to connect to their communities and address some
of the most pressing social needs.
• Want to share, learn and experience how to be effective
lifetime philanthropists.
• Want to achieve measurable results and impact from
their giving.
• Have a desire to create communities of lifelong,
informed and inspired philanthropists.
A third initiative was focused on the UK’s largest city,
London, but raised the bar for the power of all local media
in raising awareness of need and encouraging a generous
local response. The Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund
won plaudits from the Charity Awards and the Big Lottery
Fund, not only for raising £7.2 million, but also for raising
the profile of the issue of poverty in the capital.
A further initiative launched during 2012 is the Rainmaker
Foundation, which seeks to inspire generosity by
highlighting and supporting the work of philanthropists
and other inspirational people who are changing the world
for the better.
The premise of all the initiatives described above is that
there remains untapped potential for more people to
become more enthusiastic and committed philanthropists
if there exists a positive environment in which
philanthropy can flourish.