Beacon Family Philanthropy Forum
Bristol 6 November 2007

Family philanthropy – opportunity or obligation?

We are in the middle of an inter-generational transfer of wealth by the ‘baby boom’ generation. In the US alone, this wealth transfer is estimated to be worth over £20 trillion. Philanthropy can be an enriching way to bring the family together around shared values. It starts with an idea, a belief that change in the world is possible and is brought into being though a donor with a desire to make a difference and the resources to do so. As we begin to focus on the next generation of givers, will philanthropy be considered a birthright opportunity, an enriching and rewarding experience or an obligation?

To explore these questions and share best practice The Beacon Fellowship and Quartet Community Foundation organised a regional philanthropy forum for people in the Bristol area with an interest in philanthropy to learn from each other’s experiences.  Over sixty people joined Beacon and Quartet at the AXA Centre on Tuesday 6 November 2007 to hear from a panel ranging from one of the largest grant-giving foundations in the UK to a third generation trustee of a local family trust.  The audience was comprised of people with their own charitable trusts or funds within the Community Foundation, people who were evaluating how they organise their philanthropic work, and a number of senior professional advisors.

Full summary of debate